The Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME) celebrates its second year of participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2007 with an increased partnership presence, highlighting the strategic importance of the region to both inbound and outbound Japanese industry operators.
JAL Hotels, a member of Nikko Hotels International, will announce the launch of three new major hotel developments across the Middle East at ATM, while the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) and Nippon Travel Agency (NTA) will underline the increasing number of Middle Eastern leisure travellers to Japan as a preferred luxury and cultural holiday destination.
“Over 16 million Japanese travel overseas annually, representing a key growth market for the Middle East-based hospitality industry,” said Kenichi Sawaguchi, senior director, Planning and Project, JCCME.
“Additionally, the ‘Visit Japan’ campaign launched in 2003 aims to attract 10 million foreign tourists to Japan each year. We have already noticed figures for vistors to Japan from this region have doubled in the last four years, and our aim for ATM is to continue our successful new focus of promoting Japan as a luxury destination for high-spending individuals.”
The JTB Asia Tourist Corp will present a number of high-end resort and holiday packages at ATM available for the traveller looking for a unique personal experience of the heritage of Japan. Superior accommodation in castles and traditional Japanese hotels called ‘Ryokans’ will be highlighted.
In particular, the impeccable Ryokan Yoshida Sanso in Kyoto will be a focus at ATM 2007, introducing regional travellers to the gracious luxury of traditional Japanese hospitality.
“With its traditional values of hospitality, pristine natural beauty and centuries-old traditions, Japan offers Middle Eastern visitors a plethora of luxury experiences,” continued Sawaguchi.
Also presenting at ATM 2007, as part of the Japanese pavilion, is Kinki International (KNT) – one of the leading travel companies in Japan. KNT specialises in destination management and provide a wide range of capabilities from incentive tours, international conferences, sporting and cultural events and special interest tours.