Japan bounces back

Travel and tourism bodies support Japan’s Tourism Industry recovery

Following the 11 March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, Japan’s inbound and outbound travel decreased significantly and the tourism industry was hit hard.

UNWTO, PATA, JTA, JTB, JNTO, JATA, ETOA are supporting Japan and helping tourism recovery.

The UNWTO Regional support office has developed a Japan tourism recovery website CLICK HERE
They say: “In response to the tragic events of March 2011, the UNWTO Regional Support Office for Asia and the Pacific, based in Osaka Japan, has launched a special website dedicated to promoting the revival of Japan’s tourism industry.”

“The website features up-to-date news and travel information on Japan, and focuses on encouraging travel to the Kansai region – one of the country’s most outstanding cultural heritage destinations. The website aims to convey the message that Japan is open for tourism – and the people of Japan are ready to welcome international visitors with their ‘Omotenashi no kokoro’ –world-renowned hospitality.””

Further resources on Japan’s tourism industry and recovery:

Japan Travel Agency (JTA)
JTA Commissioner Hiroshi Mizohata has issued a public message of support to Japan’s tourism industry – to read this message CLICK HERE

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Official government website for tourist information for Japan. Includes extensive information on attractions, events, transportation, gastronomy and also features a movie channel and a travel planner.
Visit: http://www.jnto.go.jp 

For official JNTO travel updates regarding 3.11: CLICK HERE

Japan’s Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
As an association sanctioned by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Home, JATA seeks to improve the quality of services provided to travelers to and from Japan. It contributes to the development of the travel and tourism industry through a variety of activities including information dissemination, enhancing cooperation among members, and promoting the development of businesses and legislation that will benefit the membership and the industry at large.

JATA is committed to supporting Japan’s tourism recovery process, to read its official declaration of support CLICK HERE

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
PATA is a membership association acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. In partnership with PATA’s private and public sector members, PATA aims to enhance the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region.

Through its PATA Foundation, PATA has launched a special appeal ‘Japan Aid Movement’ to raise funds for disaster relief in Japan. Through this appeal PATA has already raised over US$12,000 and continues to provide support to ensure the quick and efficient recovery of Japan’s travel industry.
To support CLICK HERE

Japan Tourism Bureau (JTB)

With over 187 companies and 26,000 employees, JTB Group is Japan’s leading travel agency and has the mission to bring satisfying and joyful experiences to customers through providing opportunities for multicultural exchange and understanding between people, nature and heritage.

JTB’s subsidiaries across the world have held charity events, fund-raising campaigns, developed special ‘ganbare Japan’ packages and offered messages of solidarity.
Visit: http://www.jtbcorp.jp/en/

ETOA says
“The Japanese are a longstanding mainstay of Europe’s tourism economy. We would call upon the various sectors of the travel industry to extend a warm welcome to the visitors who are choosing to travel again.

“Despite the challenges which the market has faced in recent years, this constant desire to see and experience Europe never wavers. We as an association want to promote understanding on how to best look after our Japanese guests as they travel again in 2011 and beyond.”
SEE MORE CLICK HERE
 
Valere Tjolle: Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE