Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is developing a new e-learning programme for the trade, the audience at the Japan roadshow event in Auckland heard last week.

Sally Miles, business development and marketing manager JNTO Sydney Office, says the existing programme closed earlier this year.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has re-appointed Julie King & Associates (JKA) as its representative in the New Zealand market for the fourth consecutive year. 

In conjunction with this, Alita Holdaway has been appointed as the incoming country manager - New Zealand. Holdaway, who started this week, was previously business development manager – Auckland for Wendy Wu Tours and has spent five years as an international Flight Centre consultant. She is based in Auckland and has a national responsibility for managing all travel trade partner relationships, training, supporting media requirements and participating in B2B and B2C events. 

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.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has launched the ‘Best Uniquely Japanese Experience’ incentive and invites the travel trade to share their special Japanese experience, or their dream Japanese experience, to win an exclusive dinner evening in Auckland. 

Examples could be, but are not limited to, dining with a geisha, learning how to craft a samurai sword, sampling Japanese street food or regional cuisine, visiting a sake brewery, island hopping, wandering the pilgrimage trails and ancient temples, attending a music festival, or visiting a garden in full spring bloom.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has launched a NZ Travel Trade Private Community Group page .

The Facebook page will keep the trade informed and supported with information, resources, incentives and competitions. The aim is to assist the travel trade to be better equipped to promote and sell Japan as a destination.

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. 

This week’s Journey Through Japan incentive winners are Shari O’Connor from Helloworld and GT Rodgers from Travel Professionals.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO New Zealand) is running a series of agent webinars. Covering the nation’s cities, regions and the diversity of experiences on offer, the websinars will help agents plan their clients’ itineraries to the destination when international borders re-open. 

There’s something in the water in Japan. The most popular holiday for all Japanese people is visiting hot water springs.