JAL, which has bases throughout Japan, has been continuously implementing regional revitalization initiatives (currently the “JAL Furusato Project”), and in August 2020 launched the “JAL Furusato Ambassadors,” cabin crew members selected through an in-house recruitment process who move to the area to promote initiatives in their respective regions. In December of the same year, JAL appointed “JAL Hometown Cheering Troops” who are involved in regional revitalization while serving as flight attendants. The aim is to develop products and solve regional issues for hometowns and other regions with which they have connections, utilizing the knowledge they have accumulated as flight attendants.
We interviewed Ms. Kinuyo Mochiki, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in creating sustainable tours at the Kagoshima Branch Amami Sales Office.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
It was my own “trip” that led me to move to Amami Oshima. When I visited the island on a private trip, I was fascinated by the closeness of nature and people and the nostalgic atmosphere of the island, and I thought, “I want to live in Amami and protect this nature.
We hope that many people will experience a trip that will change their values, and with this in mind, we have planned a sustainable tour with Club Tourism that combines the environment and tourism.
The “Sustainable Trip in Amami Oshima, World Natural Heritage Island: Environmental Conservation and Behind-the-scenes Tour of Amami Airport” tour will provide you with a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport, which is normally closed to the public, an introduction to the JAL Group’s SDGs initiatives, beach cleaning activities with the islanders and JAL Group employees, and accommodation in facilities that have received the international eco-label “Green Key”. The tour includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport, an introduction to the JAL Group’s SDGs initiatives, beach cleanup activities with islanders and JAL Group employees, and accommodations at accommodations that have been certified with the international Green Key eco-label.
–How are you involved in this effort?
This tour was made possible by the cooperation of many people, including Amami City, where the tour will take place; travel professional Club Tourism; Den Tomari, a lodging facility that is working with local residents and visitors to pass on the treasures of the islands (nature, people, and culture); and islanders who are cooperating in beach cleanup activities. The project was realized with the help of many people.
We wanted to offer a trip that would change many people’s values and make them Amami fans and repeat visitors. With this in mind, we put our heart and soul into the planning of the tour, including the tour itinerary, the selection of accommodation, and the content of the airport tour.
On the day of the tour, I will be dressed in my uniform as a flight attendant and will take you behind the scenes of the airport. I will also introduce the island’s attractions and recommended sightseeing spots, which I know only from having moved to the island.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
It is expected that many people will visit the Amami Islands, including Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima, which were registered as World Natural Heritage sites in 2021, as well as Kikaijima, Okinoerabujima, and Yoronjima.
The Amami Islands have beautiful nature and culture that have been preserved and passed down from generation to generation by the islanders. We hope that this kind of trip, in which all people involved in the trip, including islanders, travelers, travel agencies, and airlines, think about and experience environmental conservation and cultural heritage, will become the standard and continue.
–What is your message to the tour participants?
We hope you will create lifelong memories in Amami through various experiences in the beautiful natural environment of Amami and through exchanges with the warm islanders. We look forward to seeing you on Amami Oshima!
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