Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has concluded a series of educational seminars for the travel trade which commenced in Auckland on the 3rd December. More agents than even participated in the roadshow with 131 New Zealand agents enjoying the opportunity to meet 16 suppliers including local governments, DMCs, accommodation, attractions and transportation.
Mr. Kikuchi the Consul-General of Japan in Auckland and JNTO Sydney Executive Director, Yoko Tanaka, welcomed the agents and thanked them for their support of Japan. Air New Zealand also sponsored the lucky door prize of two return air tickets to Japan.
Yoko also spoke of JNTO’s plans with the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics games next summer and the increased media presence of the destination, to capitalise and promote not only the event itself but also Japan’s regional areas, diverse attractions and unique experiences. Dylan Joffe, JNTO’s New Zealand based representative from Julie King & Associates was also introduced on stage.
A presentation summarising some highlights from the new ‘100 Experiences in Japan’ guide was shared by JNTO’s Toni Fan.
New Zealand is a growing market for Japan with the most recent figures from October 2019 showing that there were 8,694 New Zealand visitors that month, a 41.3% percent increase on the same month in 2018, and 54,314 New Zealand visitors between January and October 2019 (17.7% Growth). Year to date Japan sits within the top 3 destinations for growth out of New Zealand, with Taiwan leading at 28.2% increase followed by Indonesia at 25%
Agents were treated to a special performance by Southern Stars NZ, who are a Japanese Yosakoi Soran dance group before the networking commenced. They have been sharing this unique aspect of Japanese culture in New Zealand since 2003.
