Tourism EXPO Japan 2014 World's Largest "Travel Festival" Held for the First Time 158,000 Visitors Attended

The Japan Tourism Agency ( JTA ) and the Japan Association of Travel Agents ( JATA ) held the world's largest "travel festival," the inaugural "Tourism EXPO Japan 2014 " (Special Sponsor: JCB International), at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward from September 25th to 28th.

This event integrated the domestic tourism expo "Travel Fair Japan" previously hosted by JTA and the international tourism expo "JATA Travel Expo" hosted by JATA. Under the slogan "A New Journey Begins," over 1,100 organizations and companies from all 47 prefectures of Japan and more than 150 countries and regions worldwide exhibited.

With momentum building in the industry due to factors like annual inbound visitor numbers exceeding 10 million, the 50th anniversary of liberalized overseas travel, and the decision to host the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, the event aimed to promote Japan as a tourism-oriented nation through the trinity of domestic, outbound, and inbound travel.

 

Attending the opening ceremony on the 26th, His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino cited a verse by the haiku poet Matsuo Basho, stating, "Through travel, people can gain new knowledge and perspectives. I pray that this EXPO will serve as an opportunity to expand relationships with other nations and strengthen bonds between people." JATA Chairman Hiroki Tagawa remarked, "We are proud that this event showcases the vast potential of tourism activities. We hope visitors will enjoy engaging experiences that fully engage their senses." A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on stage by officials.

	 
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The exhibition hall featured booths from domestic and international organizations and companies sharing diverse travel information and culture. It also boasted a gourmet zone offering cuisine from Japan and around the world, along with stage events showcasing international flair. The venue bustled with approximately 158,000 visitors duringthe event period. Additionally, B2B programs were held, including the "International Tourism Forum" for discussing the latest travel market trends and "Business Meetings" between domestic and international suppliers and travel agencies.

 

At the Italy booth, a " Mutual Cooperation Agreement " was signed between Expo Milano 2015 and JATA. Both parties will collaborate on public relations activities and the promotion of Italy tours tied to the Expo. The " 2015 Milan International Exposition " (Expo Milano, May 1 - October 31, 2015), themed "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life," will feature pavilions from approximately 140 countries and international organizations, with an expected 20 million visitors during the event. The Japan Pavilion, themed "Harmonious Diversity - Coexisting Diversity -," will be the largest among participating countries, covering approximately 4,170 square meters. It will showcase Japan's potential in alleviating and solving global food issues while introducing various cultures related to Japanese cuisine.

 

On the opening day, the 25th,apre-opening event,"Japan Night,"was held at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, inviting participants from Japan and abroad. To let guests experience Japanese hospitality and the "world of harmony," the event featured traditional festival performances, calligraphy and painting demonstrations, and a sake barrel opening ceremony. Additionally, female athletes performed karate demonstrations, and live music was performed, making it a huge success.

 

Event site:
http://t-expo.jp/index.html

Related Article:
2015 Milan Expo: Local Governments Plan "Food" Events at Japan Pavilion