Japan named partner country for ITB Asia 2011

Wednesday, 5 October 2011 01:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Japan has been named as the partner country for this year’s ITB Asia which will be held from 19 – 21 October at Suntec in Singapore.

ITB Asia will provide a strategic platform for Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) to showcase the country’s impressive recovery from the 11 March 2011 earthquake and promote the destination to the over 6,000 attendees expected at the three-day trade show.

“Japan is a key player in the global travel industry and tourism is a major contributor to the nation’s economy. By rallying the support of the regional travel industry through ITB Asia, we hope to spur on a faster recovery and contribute towards its overall social and economic growth,” said Nino Gruettke, Executive Director of ITB Asia.

According to PhoCusWright, Japan was the largest total and online travel market in Asia Pacific in 2009, contributing gross bookings amounting to US$75.5 billion, or 34% of the region’s total travel market.

A study by Union of International Associations also showed that Japan ranked second in the ‘Top International Meetings Country’ category in 2010, recognizing the country’s position as one of the world’s preferred business events destination.

The JTA delegation will provide updates on the progress of the post-earthquake rehabilitation work. They will also unveil a host of marketing and promotional initiatives aimed at restoring consumer confidence and encouraging the return of traveller.

These include promoting the Shizuoka Prefectural Government, home of Mount Fuji, alongside co-exhibitors such as Prince Hotels & Resorts, Hoshino Resort and Nippon Travel Agency.

“The Asian markets play a very significant role in contributing to Japan’s inbound and outbound tourism. Tourist arrivals from Asian countries accounts for almost 70% of Japan’s international visitors. Despite the challenging post- earthquake recovery plans which Japan is spearheading, we aim to continue our support for the travel industry,” said Hiroshi Mizohata, Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency (JTA).

According to JNTO’s Arrival Statistics, 180,960 Singaporeans visited Japan in 2010, setting a new record high surpassing the 2008’s arrival of 167,894.

In a visitors’ survey conducted at the NATAS Holidays Fair 2011 held from 26 to 28 August, Japan was ranked among the top five most popular destinations Singaporeans would like to visit for a holiday.