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 spoke with Junko Kimura, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in the creation of sightseeing train travel products at the Matsuyama Branch.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
We would like foreigners visiting Japan to learn more about Ehime, a city full of attractions such as delicious seafood and the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea! With this in mind, we have created a trip connecting Matsuyama, a popular hot spring resort in Dogo, and Ozu City, selected as one of the “Top 100 Sustainable Tourism Destinations in the World. Our goal was to create premium tourist content that would make people want to visit again and again, where they could feel Ehime’s gentle hospitality.
–How are you involved in this effort?
I was involved in the planning of a monitoring tour connecting Matsuyama and Ozu on the sightseeing train “Iyonada Monogatari. On the Iyonada Monotari, JAL Furusato Ambassador GLOBAL (Taiwan) Yelina (photo at right) meticulously entertained Taiwanese travel agency customers by making in-train announcements in Chinese.
In addition, as attractive sightseeing contents, we have prepared a tatami room experience at Dogo’s “Ochaya Hanahime-ro” and a night tour of Ozu Castle for private use. At Ozu Castle, visitors can experience what it feels like to be the lord of the castle by entering the castle amidst the sounds of conch shells and drums. From Ozu Castle, visitors could enjoy a panoramic view of the town of Ozu and the magnificent atmosphere as the sun set.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
In the next fiscal year, we plan to commercialize newly developed sightseeing contents and sell them to inbound travelers to Japan through JALPAC Dynamic Packages to Japan. We will also utilize JAL’s assets to provide information on travel in Ehime, which is full of attractions, to the overseas market.
–What is your message to travelers?
After spending a relaxing time at Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, head to Ozu, a quaint town full of history. The Iyonada Monogatari sightseeing train offers a new experience each time you board. Departing from Matsuyama, the train slowly makes its way through the countryside, and before your eyes is the sparkling Seto Inland Sea. Eventually, you will reach Goro Station with a view of the Elk River. The smiles and hospitality of everyone along the route. The scenery is nostalgic of the old days. At Iyo-Ozu Station, buildings from the good old days are waiting for you. Time passes slowly, and you will feel like you want to stay here forever. Please visit us.
© Source travel watch
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.