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. Naho Hidaka, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in the PR of Nanki-Shirahama Airport in Wakayama Prefecture.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
The nickname of Nanki Shirahama Airport, served only by JAL flights, has been announced.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the registration of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,” including Kumano Kodo, as a World Heritage site on July 7, we invited applications for the nickname, and received 1,645 submissions from all over Japan. The Executive Committee and others considered the name and decided on “Kumano Shirahama Resort Airport” using the name of the place “Kumano” that was included in the largest number of entries!
It is fairly well known that Kumano Kodo is located in Wakayama Prefecture, but some people do not know where in Wakayama Prefecture it is located and where the nearest airport is.
The word Kumano was used so that people would immediately associate the airport with the nearest airport as a window to the holy land of Kumano.
–How are you involved in this effort?
We participated in a ceremony held on July 6 to commemorate the naming of the nickname.
After the ceremony, we handed out uchiwa fans and Mitsuya cider made with Nanko-ume plum produced in Wakayama Prefecture to customers arriving by plane from Haneda. Arriving passengers commented on the nickname, saying that it was “easy to understand” and “nice.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
Wakayama Prefecture and the Wakayama Prefecture World Heritage Council are holding a special panel exhibition at the 2nd floor lobby lounge of the airport terminal building from July 10 to August 30 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the registration of the sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range as World Heritage sites.
Nanki Shirahama Airport, which operates the airport, also focuses on community building and workcations based on the idea that “the development of the airport starts with the development of the community.
As workcation spreads, Wakayama will continue to learn and gain inspiration from other regions to further enhance its attractiveness and become a region of choice in the future. We will continue to implement a variety of initiatives to create a sustainable and profitable region that is uniquely Wakayama.
When considering a workcation, please consider the resort area of Shirahama.
–What is your message to travelers?
Be sure to stop by the International Terminal area, opening in 2023.
Some passengers were working until boarding as there were power outlets installed, and some families with children were relaxing on the sofa seats with a close view of the airplane.
There is also a piano in the same area where anyone is welcome to play. Please feel free to play while waiting for your flight.
In addition, the Shirahama area is home to a beach that is very crowded in the summer. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by plane from Haneda, Tokyo, and only 10 minutes by car from the airport to the beach. It is said to be the closest resort to Tokyo by plane.
Bicycles are available for rent for those who are worried about secondary transportation. Luggage delivery service is also available to hotels in the town, so you can tour around the area with nothing to spare.
Haneda Airport – Nanki Shirahama Airport is served by 3 round trips per day.
Not only the beaches, but also the hot springs rich in spring water are attractive. Please come to Kumano, a sacred place, with Kumano Shirahama Resort Airport as your gateway.
We will utilize this nickname starting in July, when the World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” celebrates the 20th anniversary of its registration, and we look forward to welcoming many visitors from Japan and abroad.
© Source travel watch
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