2025 Chungcheongnam-do Sustainable Tourism Forum


The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) participated in the 2025 Chungcheongnam-do Sustainable Tourism Forum, held on the 17th of December 2025 in Gongju, Republic of Korea. The forum, organized by the Chungcheongnam-do Social Economy Support Center and 

The Korea Sustainable Tourism Network convened representatives from public institutions, tourism organisations, cooperatives, and industry stakeholders to discuss how sustainable tourism can contribute to regional vitality, community resilience, and long-term development in Chungcheongnam-do.

Held under the theme “Revitalising People and Regions: Opening Chungcheongnam-do’s Future through Sustainable Tourism,” the forum served as a platform for exchanging ideas on policy approaches, community-led tourism models, climate-responsive strategies, and collaborative initiatives. The program included keynote interventions, thematic presentations, and a panel discussion. 

Mihee Kang, GSTC Chief Assurance Officer, served as a keynote speaker at the forum, discussing the role of sustainable tourism in supporting regional development. During the presentation, Dr. Kang highlighted the value and importance of the GSTC Standards and discussed how sustainability commitments can be translated into practical, measurable outcomes by sharing the good practices of GSTC member destinations and businesses.

“I was honored to participate in the Chungcheongnam-do Sustainable Tourism Forum. This forum provided a crucial platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration on sustainable tourism development. I believe that the contributions from local businesses and community networks shared during the forum will inspire greater stakeholder engagement in promoting responsible tourism practices and revitalizing the local economy”, said Dr. Kang.

GSTC’s participation reflected its ongoing engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and its mission to increase knowledge, understanding, adoption, and demand for sustainable tourism practices.