Event organisers steer clear of Japan
The impact of the earthquake and tsunami on Japan’s travel sector is beginning to be revealed with several Japanese organisations cancelling their exhibiting space at IT&CM China in Shanghai this week.
Eleven Japanese organisations cancelled their booths, significantly reducing the amount of space occupied by Japanese companies.
Among those cancelling were the Convention and Visitors Bureaus from Osaka, Tokyo, Gifu and Yokohama.
Darren Ng, managing director TTG Asia Media, said the organisers had sympathy for those destinations affected by the tsunami. “We allowed them to pull out, it was unavoidable,†he said.
The Japan National Tourism Organisation is participating at IT&CM China and is telling its trade partners that many parts of Japan are unaffected by the earthquake disaster.
Said JNTO president, Tadatoshi Mamiya, “We are deeply concerned that this will not only affect Japan’s tourism industry directly, but will also (hurt) our industry partners around the world.â€
Already there is a clear indication from MICE planners that Japan will not be considered for the rest of 2011.
Planners are switching booked groups to alternative destinations in response to clients’ fears over the safety of Japan’s nuclear reactors damaged in last month’s earthquake.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026