Tourism Symposium in Oita "Let's Increase the Number of Stay!"

(Oita Godo Newspaper, March 24th 2009, morning)

On March 23th 2009, Japan Tourism Agency Relay Symposium (supported by Oita Godo Newspaper) was held at a hotel in Oita City with Mr. KUWANO Izumi as the chairperson of the symposium. The symposium was attended by approximately 500 people consisting of government officials and people who are related to Oita tourism activities.

During the panel discussion held, the Director of JTB Corp, Mr. SHIMIZU Shinichi acted as the coordinator for the four leaders to exchange their opinions. The Chairman of the Tourism Oita Association Mr KUWANO said "We viewed Oita Prefecture and tourism as one, and we were getting intimate with our neighboorhood so that we could promote Oita." Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University's President, Mr. Monte Cassim suggested that "Tourism is romance. It is possible to turn history and culture into romance and stories" and he encouraged them "to utilize APU more".

Governor HIROSE mentioned that the concept of tourism in Oita area had been developed more strongly. In 2008, the number of tourists increased by 3.7% when compared to the previous year. The average number of days of staying in Oita Prefecture was 1.45 days. The current challenge is to increase the number of days.

Mr. HONPO Yoshiaki, the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency summarized that "For a better future in tourism, it is true that we need to appeal each city in the prefecture, but if we do not increase the number of days of the tourists' stay we cannot maintain the improvement. The solution to it will be romance and stories".

Comment: Tourism is one of the most important activities that can boost Japan economy and it has become even more crucial in this period of financial crisis. I have noticed the vibrance of city revitalization project in Oita Prefecture, and enjoyed getting involved in the projects. Hopefully, Oita Prefecture is progressively becoming more appealing as one attractive tourist spot in Japan

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
APM2, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University