Japanese statutory quasi-governmental agency, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will establish an office in UAE this year as part of its strategic efforts to meet the government’s goal of welcoming 60 million international visitors to Japan by 2030.
According to the statement, it is JNTO’s first office in the Middle East and will serve as a focal point for the organization’s promotional efforts to promote Japan as a preferred travel destination for residents in the region.
JNTO has designated the Middle East as a priority market and will encourage tourism exchange between the Middle East and Japan to strengthen bilateral relations.
Satoshi Seino President – JNTO
“JNTO is proud to open an office in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates this year, which will be the first office to open in the whole Middle East by JNTO. Japan is a country with a long history, abundant nature, and unique culture. We are internationally renowned for our delicious cuisine, beaches, skiing, pop culture, shopping, and historic wooden architecture such as shrines and temples. A trip to Japan will surely be an unforgettable and special experience. To all in the Middle East, we look forward to welcoming you to Japan.”
Tomoko Kikuchi, Executive Director of JNTO Dubai Preparation Office for Dubai commented, “We are delighted to be exhibiting at the Arabian Travel Market Hybrid (ATM 2021), the largest travel trade fair in the Middle East. The number of GCC citizens visiting Japan reached a record high of 28,222 in 2019, an increase of 28.4 percent when compared to the number of visitors in 2018.
“This number has doubled in the last five years, and indicative of Japan’s rising popularity as a travel destination within the region. Through our participation at such events as ATM 2021, we plan to strengthen our cooperation with the region’s airlines and travel agencies while raising interest in the Middle East for travel to Japan,” Mr. Kikuchi added.
As part of its promotional efforts for 2021, JNTO will exhibit at the Middle East’s largest tourism exhibition, Arabian Travel Market Hybrid (ATM 2021). ATM will take place in Dubai from 16th to 19th May, and then on a virtual platform from 24th to 26th May 2021.
JNTO’s primary goal at these events will be to raise awareness among the Middle East region’s top travel and media professionals. It will highlight Japan’s diverse and unique tourist attractions, which have been gathered under the promotional banner “Japan. Endless Discovery.”
