Startup: Urgent Global-Compatible Tourism Infrastructure Needed

The Korea Startup Forum (KOSPO) held a 'Road to Global' seminar and deeply discussed strategies for domestic tourism startups to advance onto the world stage. Chairman Han Sang-woo emphasized that in an era of 16 million foreign tourists, vitalizing 'tourism tech' and supporting global expansion are key to national competitiveness. Representatives from innovative companies such as Daytrip, R&One, AllMyTour, and Travolution largely attended the seminar and engaged in lively discussions. Following digital transformation and COVID-19, startups like 'MyRealTrip' and 'Tripbtoz', which integrate advanced technologies such as AI, big data, and VR, are leading the market and rapidly growing. Professor Lim Hyung-taek of Sunmoon University advised that digital platform optimization, multilingual user experience (UX), and AI/VR-based technological differentiation are essential for success in the global market. However, the voices from the field were different. Attending companies pointed out that the lack of global compatibility of domestic map and payment systems is the biggest obstacle to overseas expansion, unanimously calling for urgent international standardization of core infrastructure. Bae In-ho, CEO of Travolution, expressed the actual difficulties faced, such as restrictions on using Google Maps data. Robust support from the government and local authorities is essential for the sustainable growth of startups. The Korea Tourism Organization is already operating nurturing programs and plans to support 70 early-stage tourism ventures with up to 80 million won in commercialization funds by 2025. Kwon Yong-geun, CEO of R&One, strongly requested the creation of an innovative ecosystem through expanded venture investment and the overhaul of outdated regulations. Diverse startups such as XCREW (activities), The Service Platform (tax refunds), One Million (K-dance), and Daytrip (local curation) are expanding their domains with innovative services, and Yoon Seok-ho, CEO of Daytrip, cited the globalization of Korean content as a key challenge. In the subsequent panel discussion, key tasks identified included digital transformation, data utilization, establishment of global standard infrastructure, vitalization of venture investment, and regulatory innovation. Director Lee Hoon of Hanyang University emphasized that the government's bold regulatory innovation and long-term policy vision are essential for unleashing private sector innovation capabilities. Koo Tae-eon, Vice Chairman of KOSPO, evaluated the seminar as a meaningful occasion that simultaneously highlighted the realistic challenges and infinite growth potential of tourism startups, and stated that KOSPO will continue to reflect on-site voices in policies and do its best to provide institutional support for strengthening global competitiveness. This seminar was an important milestone in exploring strategies for strengthening the global competitiveness of domestic tourism startups and sustainable growth models. Only systematic support through collaboration among government, industry, and academia will be the key for our tourism startups to succeed in the global market.