The Kyushu Tourism Promotion Organisation has put together an Introduction to Kyushu webinar.

Agents can familiarise themselves with some of the key destinations across the region – from the volcanic peaks of Mt Aso and Sakurajima to the seven bubbling hot spring ‘hells’ of Beppu. The webinar also provides key information on how best to access Kyushu from gateway cities of Osaka and Tokyo, and outlines some recommended itineraries to help sell the destination.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will launch its 2021 virtual roadshow in November.

It will consist of two virtual events, connecting agents and wholesalers with local suppliers to better equip them with the tools to sell Japan, once international travel resumes.

Wendy Wu Tours has a new 2022-23 Japan interactive digital brochure, also featuring Taiwan and South Korea.

It features the operator’s range of fully inclusive group tours including its Classic range covering the essential highlights of Japan as well specialised itineraries. Also featured are immersive Go Beyond tours and dedicated solo departures on popular itineraries with additional inclusions such as free chauffeur transfers and airport lounge passes (selected cities).

Travel agents and brokers have the opportunity to learn about Oita, the ‘hottest place’ in Kyushu, Japan, this month. They also have the chance to win a wide variety of prizes, such as traditional pottery, gift cards and more.

On 17 February, JTB will take agents on an hour long ‘webinar adventure’ to Oita and show them a different Japan to the one they know already.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has a new portal showcasing content that inspires travel to the country’s off-the-beaten-path destinations.

The hashtag #stayhomewithjapan encourages people to ‘look beyond the clouds’ and share personal links with Japan found in everyday life, and keep Japan at front of mind for when travel begins anew. 

World Journeys has few places left on its two small group hosted journeys Cherry Blossom Japan departing on 24 March and 8 April this year.

Japan has plenty of life in it yet as a travel destination out of New Zealand and agents should get familiar with the opportunities it provides for their clients, says the founder of Wendy Wu Tours.

Compiled by Kathy Ombler
• Tokyo subway – ticket machines offer English translations; you can buy a single trip, day pass or buy a pasmo card (available from the ‘pink’ machines), these can be topped up as needed. (The pasmo card also can be used in 7 Eleven stores and some vending machines.)
• Subway cell phone etiquette – put phones on silent and don’t have loud conversations.

New Zealanders should embrace opportunities to explore the regions beyond Tokyo, as they follow the All Blacks in their Rugby World Cup pool games in Japan next year.

There is more to Japan than just Sushi and Tempura. That’s one of the key messages that will be highlighted to trade when Japan National Tourism Organization and supplier partners hold a roadshow in Auckland next month.

‘We are also trying to break the stereotype of travel to Japan being expensive,’ says Sally Miles, business development and marketing assistant at JNTO.

‘Especially with so many major sporting events happening – Rugby World Cup 2019 and Tokyo hosting the Olympics and Paralympics in 2020 – there’s no better time for clients to see Japan.