WTTC Summit: Japan on the way back
Issues facing Japan – its declining birth rate and an ageing population – have increased the importance of tourism as a factor in the country’s economic welfare, prime minister Yoshihiko Noda told delegates attending the WTTC Global Summit in Tokyo.
Promoting Japan was of significant importance to the Japanese Government and to the Japanese people, the prime minister added.
He recognised that some areas "needed further development, but tourism is the frontier for Japan" as it "attracts international visitors, creates jobs and develops relations with people".
Prime minister Noda highlighted the all-year tourism attractions of Japan, particularly of the Tohoku region which was devastated by the earthquake and tsunami on March 11 last year.
Michael Frenzel, WTTC chairman, and chairman of the executive board of TUI AG, said, "There is no doubt in our minds that Japan is well and truly open for business once again – and that Asia will be the main driver of growth for the global Travel & Tourism industry over the next 20 years or so."
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 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive