The government has announced measures to bolster the tourism industry hit hard by the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
     
Under the plan revealed on Thursday, the government will revise laws to allow building hospitality, recreational and sports facilities in some protected mountains and forests where development has been banned.
 
The to-be-developed areas will be designated as industrial tourism promotion zones.
 
The plan will also expand aid loans from 90 billion won to 390 billion won for the tourism industry that is struggling to overcome the MERS outbreak.
 
To attract more foreign tourists, the government will strengthen marketing efforts using Korean stars who are popular abroad. It will also temporarily exempt Chinese and Southeast Asian group travelers of visa issuance fees until September.