Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has appointed Yoko Tanaka as the new Executive Director of its Sydney Office.
Tanaka has been appointed to further build on the recent successes of JNTO’s Sydney office, which encouraged more than half a million Australian tourists to visit Japan last year, a new record.
“My goal is to continue driving the remarkable growth that we have seen in recent years from Australia,” explained Yoko Tanaka, JNTO Sydney Office Executive Director. “I intend to maintain the momentum by further educating Australians of the variety of things to see and do in Japan. I will also continue to raise awareness of the regional and less well known areas of Japan as well as the upcoming major sporting events including this year’s Rugby World Cup as well as Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Tanaka began working for JNTO in 1992 at the Tourist Information Center at Narita International Airport. Since then her career has encompassed a wide variety of roles with the company including Senior Director of JNTO’s Singapore office, and most recently a Manager in the Human Resources Section
Outgoing Executive Director Kana Wakabayashi will work alongside Tanaka until 12 July to ensure a smooth transition before she returns to Japan.
“During my tenure in Sydney I have been delighted to lead a team that has overseen significant visitor growth from the Australian market,” said Kana Wakabayashi. “Last year, not only was a new record set for the most number of Australian visitors ever, but Australians also became Japan’s highest spending tourists. I am very proud to have been a part of the team that helped to make this happen and would like to take this opportunity to thank our travel trade and media partners who have all supported myself and the team.
“I have no doubt that Yoko will enjoy working with the team and our partners in Australia and wish her every success in the new role,” added Wakabayashi.
