Hanyang University’s Future Innovation Tourism Research Office, led by Professor Shin Hak-Seung, celebrated a remarkable achievement at the 99th Korean Tourism Association Conference held from February 10 to 11. The research team received three Best Paper Awards across various categories, which included the Grand Prize in General Research, the Grand Prize in International Research, and the Special Best Paper Award from the Chungbuk Research Institute. This exceptional recognition underscores the team's research prowess in tourism studies and emphasizes the significant economic impact of tourism that varies by region.

The winning paper regarding regional economic effects highlighted the need for a transition from quantitative tourism metrics, which focus primarily on the number of visitors, to a more qualitative approach that considers the length of stay and spending levels of tourists. By conducting a quantitative analysis that reflects spatial characteristics, the research team pointed out the limitations of traditional growth indicators and proposed a policy shift towards high-value qualitative tourism. Their findings, particularly from the case study of Chungcheongbuk-do, were recognized for both academic rigor and policy implications, leading to their double victory in awards.

Additionally, the research team's international paper noted that in an era defined by artificial intelligence and automation, tourism must evolve beyond mere leisure to redefine its role in human existence. This notion of a 'Tourism Renaissance' emphasized that as labor-driven society transforms, tourism could become a crucial area for reconstructing human purpose. This award marks a shift in how tourism's role is perceived within the broader context of technological changes and social structure transformations, setting the stage for critical discussions in the field.