On July 11, JATA (Japan Association of Travel Agents) held a joint press conference with the Korea Tourism Organization at its headquarters in Kasumigaseki.
According to Toshihiko Honda, chairman of the Korea Working Group of JOTC (Japan Outbound Travel Promotion Council) / general manager of the Overseas Travel Promotion Department, Japan Travel & Tourism Business Division, the total number of travelers from Japan to overseas (in 2023) is only 48% of that before Corona (in 2019), but the number of travelers to Korea is 71%, an average This is significantly higher than the average of 71%, he said.
In order to encourage visitors to stay in Seoul for as long as possible, and to show the attractiveness of cities other than Seoul, a sales contest for organized tours and group tours will be held in cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization.
The contest, titled “2024 Korea’s 30 Best Gourmet Products Contest,” is open to travel products that incorporate one or more of the “30 Best Gourmet Products of Korea” established in 2019, incorporate elements that will help revitalize local regions such as traditional markets in each region, and bear an exclusive logo.
Mr. Kim Gwang-mi, Director of the Japan Regional Center and General Manager of the Tokyo Branch Office of the Korea Tourism Organization, said, “The number of visitors to Japan from January to June 2024 was 1,428,000, which is less than half of our target of 3.3 million for 2024. We would like to work proactively with travel agencies and airlines to take measures during off-peak periods and to reach out to potential customers,” he appealed.
In the last part of the presentation, Yang Nan-young, Deputy Director of the Tokyo Branch of the Korea Tourism Organization, introduced “Haman Oryeonori,” a traditional fire festival held once a year in Mujinjeong, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province).
In the Ochibi Nori, members of the local preservation society weave handmade charcoal from oak trees into a rope shape using paper and cloth, and light it on the pond. Although the festival has been attracting attention since around 2023 due to the influence of TV dramas and other events, reservations have been difficult to obtain, making it difficult for local visitors to watch the event.
Therefore, in 2024, the first event for foreigners, “JAPAN DAY” will be held on October 31. The event is limited to 600 Japanese tourists, who can participate through travel agencies. A special website will be released around August for more details.
© Source travel watch
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