POSTED: January 23rd 2012
NewsUpdate
Exclusive: PyeongChang 2018 Special Zones will attract new businesses and leave an economic legacy
LAURA WALDEN / Sports Features Communications
INNSBRUCK: PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (POCOG) President Jin Sun Kim and Secretary General Dong Hoo Moon talked to SportsFeatures.com exclusively about the new designation of Special Zones as listed in the Special Act to support the Games that was recently passed by the National Assembly.
President Kim said, “This includes the larger vicinity area around the venues that will be created for tourism and means that there will be an easier regulation for construction as an incentive to attract private businesses and to build up tourism. It will ease the procedure for them to get involved.”
“The concept of the establishment of the Special Zones is something new and unique to the Olympic Games.
"It will facilitate the regulation of businesses and more housing coming into the area that will serve the Olympic Games and leave a legacy for the tourism industry. The key aim of the PyeongChang 2018 Games is to build up the winter sports tourism market in the area and to boost the local infrastructure with more urban development.
“The direct preparation for the Games will continue as planned but this is an added indirect benefit that is included in the Special Act.”
“The Best of Korea plan was a direct plan as part of the PyeongChang 2018 bid, but the concept of the Special Zones is a more indirect benefit and the organizing committee will oversee the Special Zones.”
Secretary General Moon specified on the purpose of the Special Zones, “One of the incentives for the Olympic Games in PyeongChang is to develop the whole area as a tourist destination after the Games are over.
“The Special Act is not only providing benefits for the organizing committee but is also looking to create a lasting business legacy for the area and boost our tourism.”
Kim also emphasized that the Special Zone project was launched by the Gangwon Province and it will include housing, stores, infrastructure, restaurants, and basically all forms of urban development.
He said, “The construction on the high speed train will start with the groundbreaking in May that will link Wonju and Gangneung via PyeongChang. For this project US$180 million has been allocated this year.”
“There are over 10 construction phases that will be fast tracked as this is a priority so we are looking to finish it as soon as possible.”
The IOC Coordination Commission, led by Gunilla Lindberg, will make its first visit to see the progress getting started in PyeongChang March 19-23, 2012.
Keywords · PyeongChang 2018 · Jin Sun Kim · Dong Hoo Moon · Special Zones · Alpensia
For more information contact:
Laura Walden ()
All original materials contained in this section are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Sports Features Communications, Inc the owner of that content. It is prohibited to alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content.
