Discussion on strengthening Jeju casino industry competitiveness... International policy forum opens

An international policy forum was held in Jeju to explore sustainable growth of the Jeju casino industry, coexistence with the local economy, and ways to connect with the tourism industry.

Jeju Island will open the '2026 10th Jeju International Casino Policy Forum' at the Jeju International Convention Center on the 9th and run for two days until the 10th.

Hosted by Jeju Island and co-hosted by the Jeju Island Casino Industry Supervision Committee and the Jeju International Convention Center, this forum was prepared under the theme of 'A New Decade of Jeju Casinos: The Future and Challenges of the Jeju Casino Industry'.

The forum, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year since it was first held in 2017, was attended by about 300 people, including domestic and foreign experts from the United States, Macau, Singapore, the Philippines, and Japan, industry officials, civic groups, and residents.

On the first day, presentations and discussions were held in three areas on the topics of sustainable growth of the casino industry, regional coexistence, expansion into the complex tourism industry, and policy response to the transition to artificial intelligence (AI).

In his keynote speech, former First Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Jeon Byeong-geuk emphasized the need for a differentiation strategy for the Jeju casino industry in a situation where competition in the international casino market is intensifying, centered on large integrated resorts.

In particular, it was suggested that in preparation for the opening of an integrated resort in Osaka, Japan in 2030, the dependence on the tourism market centered on the Greater China region should be reduced and the market should be diversified to Southeast Asia and Japan.

He also called for strengthening competitiveness through the expansion of complex tourism content that combines gourmet food, culture, and performances, and the introduction of artificial intelligence and digital technology.

At the forum, officials from the Nevada Gaming Management Board of the United States, Philippine Entertainment and Game Corporation, and Japanese tourism experts shared overseas cases and discussed the direction of development of the Jeju casino industry.

On the 10th, participants will tour Oedolgae, Saeyeongyo Bridge, and Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market to explore the possibility of linking with local tourism resources.