The implementation of national travel assistance has brought renewed attention to domestic travel.
JAL, which has bases throughout Japan, has been continuously implementing regional revitalization initiatives (currently the “JAL Furusato Project”). In August 2020, flight attendants selected through an internal application process moved to the area and launched the “JAL Furusato Ambassadors” to promote regional initiatives, and in In December of the same year, JAL appointed “JAL hometown supporters,” who are involved in regional revitalization while serving on board. 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 Furusato Ambassador who is involved in the management of Yamato Village experience tours at the Kagoshima Branch Amami Office.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
We, the JAL Group, sympathize with the desire of the local people to pass on to the next generation the “world’s treasure of islands” of the Amami Islands, including Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima, which were inscribed on the World Natural Heritage list in 2021, and to revitalize the region by working together with regional development, and we are committed to continuously helping realize sustainable development. In order to continue to help realize sustainable development, we have launched the “JAL Group Amami Islands Sustainable Project” from 2021.
Currently, we are promoting an initiative to expand the population of permanent relationships by utilizing local traditions, culture, and climate (Village Project) and an initiative to solve local issues by utilizing drones (Drone Project).
As part of the Village Project, we have created a tour that allows visitors to experience the charms of Yamato Village, located in the center of the west coast of Amami Oshima and part of which has been designated a World Natural Heritage site, as if they were living in the area. We hope that more and more customers will discover the beauty of Yamato Village, and from December 5, 2022, we will be offering sustainable travel products that combine environmental conservation and tourism through JAL Dynamic Package.
Visitors can spend time as if they were living in the slow-flowing time while interacting with local people at a guest house in the village. In addition, Yamato Village will introduce its efforts to conserve the natural environment and biodiversity, and offer a variety of activities, including a night tour in a World Natural Heritage night forest to see the Amami Oshima’s endemic species, including the Amami rabbit, and snorkeling in the beautiful coral-rich sea. In addition, JAL will also be offering a night tour of the Amami Oshima Island. In addition, participants can enjoy and learn while contributing to the environmental preservation of Amami Oshima through participation in environmental lectures and beach cleanups organized by JAL.
–How are you involved in this effort?
On the second day of the three-day tour, there will be a beach cleanup activity together with JAL staff. I will participate in this activity as a member of the JAL staff living on Amami Oshima.
I have participated in beach cleanup volunteer activities on Amami Oshima Island in the past, but there are many beaches that look clean from a distance but have a lot of debris washed ashore. For example, plastic bottles, bottles, nets, Styrofoam, etc. that have washed ashore. On the other hand, beaches where this kind of trash is rarely seen are usually found thanks to the efforts of people from nearby villages who pick up trash every day.
I would be happy if I could tell you about the importance of protecting the nature of Amami and the charms that I have realized only because I have moved to Amami Oshima, while conducting beach cleanups in the beautiful nature of Amami Oshima!
–What are your future plans and prospects?
In addition to this experience tour in Yamato-mura, Amami Oshima, JAL Group will continue to make various efforts with the islanders to promote sustainable tourism while preserving and passing on the rare nature of the entire Amami Islands. We will continue our efforts to communicate our activities in the Amami Islands to as many customers as possible, and we hope you will be interested in our activities.
–What is your message to the traveler participants?
The charm of Amami Oshima is its beautiful nature, rare flora and fauna, and the warmth of the islanders. In particular, Kuninao Village in Yamato Village, which is also the destination of the tour, is my favorite place where I can feel the relaxing time. We look forward to welcoming you to Yamato Village on Amami Oshima Island so that we can offer you a wonderful travel experience that will change your sense of values by taking you around the sightseeing spots, experiencing nature and culture of Amami!
© Source travel watch
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