(Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2019) DUBAI, 13th May, 2019 (WAM) – The Japan National Tourism Organisation, JNTO, is looking to build on the 31 million visitors it welcomed in 2018, at the Arabian Travel Market 2019 that begins this week.
While the majority of its visitors – nearly at 24.34 million – are from neighbouring Asian countries, Executive Vice President, Tsutomu Shimura, said they are keen to attract more affluent visitors, with luxury and authenticity as the other key promotional messages. There has been an 8.7 percent rise in tourist arrivals year-on-year.
The stand will be bedecked in real cherry blossoms to highlight its spring colours and year-round seasonal appeal.
ATM delegates visiting the JNTO stand this week can enjoy daily tea ceremonies, traditional street juggling acts and kimono shows. The JNTO stand will have local tourism boards from Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan Airlines, JR Kyushu cruise train "Nanatsuboshi", Hilton Japan, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, Tokyu Hotels, and tour operators Ayabex, KNT-CT Global Travel, Miki Travel and MT Japan.
Sports is set to be another major attraction with the Rugby World Cup coming up later this year and Tokyo hosting the 2020 Olympic Games. To that end, the Japanese government is targeting 40 million visitors next year.
JNTO has a strong global presence through its 21 overseas offices. This will soon rise to 22, as JNTO will be entering the middle East market with an office in Dubai, which is due to open before the Expo, and it plans to open a representative office this summer.
"The market research we conducted last year shows the Middle East, especially the UAE, is a potentially lucrative market with positive impressions of Japan," he said. "We have identified the Middle East market as an important market for travellers seeking unique luxury experiences and we will use the ATM to spearhead promotional activities in the region."
Strong connectivity between Emirates and Etihad Airways is another positive factor, fueling an increase in the number of UAE visitors from 7,106 in 2017 to 7,782 last year. The total number of GCC visitors rose from 20,742 in 2017 to 21,976 last year.
Japan, ranked fourth in the world for travel and tourism competitiveness, is popular for its cuisine, shopping, hot springs, sightseeing and theme parks and is attracting visitors with the relaxation of visa requirements, the expansion of its tax-free programme and faster immigration procedures.
