Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) conducted its annual ‘Japan Roadshow’ in Melbourne and Sydney this week, where over 100 travel agents and buyers attended two stunning events at Melbourne’s State Library Victoria and on the gorgeous Sydney Harbour aboard a luxury superyacht, The Jackson.
The roadshow was attended by 21 representatives from Japanese hotels, resorts, attractions and inbound tour operators, who were all ready to showcase their products.
Yoko Tanaka, Executive Director of JNTO Sydney said: “Over the last few months, we have received a phenomenal response to Japan’s gradual reopening.
“Whilst inbound tourist arrivals from Australia are still restricted, the opposite can be said for the interest in Japan – there is a strong appetite for education about Japanese travel products within the travel trade and we intend to continue to drive as much awareness as we can.”
“It was fantastic to be able to finally bring the Japan Roadshow back as an in-person event in Australia after three long years of hiatus. Being able to personally reconnect with our valued industry partners was a real delight, and we thank them for their ongoing support of JNTO,” Tanaka added.
The Sydney event came at an opportune time after a press conference was held that very afternoon by Japan’s Prime Minister with updates to the country’s entry requirements.
The guest of honour at the Sydney event, Kiya Masahiko, Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, shared the updates with participants, confirming that pre-departure PCR tests will no longer be required for triple vaccinated travellers from Australia and New Zealand from 7 September.
Kiya also highlighted that the Government of Japan is currently working on other changes to the country’s border entry measures, which will be promptly announced, taking into consideration the up-to-date COVID situation. He expressed his wish for an early return of more leisure travel to Japan.
“The Japan National Tourism Organization roadshow was a captivating night filled with infectious energy, optimistic presentations, and authentic cultural performances. The event was a fantastic display of all the wide experiences that Japan has to offer and provided a unique opportunity to learn of different activities that are often eclipsed by the world-class cherry blossom season and white powdered snow-filled mountains,” said Marcus Maitland, Flight Centre Business Travel, Melbourne.
“JNTO always hosts a great event. Not only is it an opportunity to receive informative product updates and meet suppliers and prefecture representatives face to face, but it provides tour operators with another opportunity to experience Japanese culture through entertainment for the evening. It is one trade show I do not miss,” said Adam Burke, Scenic, Sydney.
Before the pandemic, Japan was one of the fastest-growing overseas travel destinations for Australians. Pre-pandemic figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed over 522,000 Australian residents returned from a short visit to Japan in 2019, a rise of over 13 per cent on 2018 figures.
This meant that Japan became the seventh most popular international destination for Australians – the result of more than 10 years of impressive visitor growth.
To increase JNTO’s market presence, the tourism board will take part in numerous promotional activities this year and activate advertising campaigns in consumer media to help rekindle consumer interest in Japan.
For more, head to www.japan.travel/en/au/
