SUBSIDIES TO SUPPORT TOURISM SECTOR

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Discount vouchers will be provided for lodging and travel this coming weekend to promote travel. Tourism sector is likely to find a breakthrough.

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The government is set to resume the distribution of vouchers on travel items offering discounts of up to 30 percent, or 60,000 won. Subject to the discounts will be some one thousand tourism items selected by the government. Discounts are set to be offered through online reservations. Lodging discounts are also to be provided to one million travelers beginning on November 4. The online-specific vouchers are set to offer 30,000 won discounts on lodging costing less than 70,000 won, and 40,000 won on rooms costing more than 70,000 won.

[Soundbite] YOON TAE-HO(CENTRAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT HEADQUARTERS) : "We reached this decision based on the successful efforts to prevent massive outbreaks using sufficient quarantine efforts and medical capability."

Dining discounts will also be provided for every fourth meal out. A 10,000 won pay back for your fourth meal dining out. Those that utilize amusement and entertainment facilities can receive a discount of up to 60 percent. Rural tourism packages will also be resumed. Such measures are designed to boost the local tourism sector, which has sustained losses estimated at 10 trillion won due to the prolonged pandemic.

[Soundbite] CHOI CHANG-WOOK(KOREA ASSOCIATION OF TRAVEL AGENTS) : "It's safe to travel as long as precautions are followed. I believe this will provide the tourism sector a much-needed moment of relief."

Subsidies for workers' vacation days will also be resumed. The government has begun receiving applications from businesses and workers. From October 30 to November 21, some 2200 officials will be dispatched to key tourist sites to carry out quarantine inspections.