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 Tamako Sekiguchi, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in a collaborative project with JR Hokkaido in Hokkaido.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
HITOMEGURI” is a special chartered train that tours Hokkaido in cooperation with JAL and JR Hokkaido. This is the fourth year for the program, which will run five times this fall, visiting East and South Hokkaido. The lavender train will travel through colorful Hokkaido! The train offers not only spectacular views from the windows of the train, but also special meals with plenty of local specialties, sales of local products by local municipalities in Hokkaido, and other attractions of Hokkaido.
–How are you involved in this effort?
JAL hometown ambassadors and JAL hometown supporters will board the Hitomeguri-go and provide hospitality, relaxing exercises, and announcements to make your train ride enjoyable and comfortable. The Hitomeguri-go will also provide a relaxing exercise and announcements on the train so that passengers who have toured Hokkaido by Hitomeguri-go will want to visit Hokkaido again! We are also planning to offer souvenirs and original goods exclusively for Hitomeguri-go passengers to make them want to visit Hokkaido again.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
As the Hitomeguri-go train travels around Hokkaido, you will have many opportunities to meet the people who live in the area, and in many towns, you will be welcomed and sent off in a way that is unique to that area. We hope that through these encounters with local communities and people, the next time you visit not only major sightseeing cities but also many other areas you have toured by train will become your travel destinations.
–What is your message to travelers?
The Hitomeguri is a tour that we hope you will enjoy with all of your senses. The beauty of the vast mountains as they change colors, the cool yet warm aroma of autumn, the sounds of animals, the exquisite cuisine of each region, and the relaxing hot springs that will relieve travel fatigue. …… We hope you will discover new attractions of Hokkaido on the Hitomeguri. You will be greeted by many cute animals such as red-crowned cranes, deer, and cows from the train windows. Why don’t you enjoy the local specialties you pick up while touring along the train line and admire the spectacular scenery?
© Source travel watch
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