Hailing from Tokyo, Takako Sakai has an extensive background in tourism-related roles, having previously worked with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Hawaii Tourism Japan and Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB). Currently serving as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (2022, Feb 16th ~ 2024, Feb 15th), Sakai contributes to Zlatibor Tourism Organization, a mountain resort in Serbia. Zlatibor is popular as a summer resort and a family-friendly ski destination in winter. Noteworthy attractions include the Gold Gondola, the world's longest panoramic lift, and sports and health tourism since the region offers diverse outdoor activities. Zlatibor has various tourist resources like the Stopica Cave, Gostilje Waterfall, and the open-air museum Staro Selo in the village of Sirogojno. Zlatibor is at the forefront of tourism, implementing initiatives like online advance payments for tickets and developing digital signage. However, along with its growth as a tourist destination, Zlatibor faces challenges such as incomplete statistics for guest accommodations conditioned by insufficiently defined legal regulation, low awareness of environmental issues, and concentration of tourists in the central area during the high season. Over the two years, Sakai’s notable endeavor was applying for the Green Destinations Top 100 stories. She was involved in conceptualizing and preparing documentation for the application. As a result, Zlatibor, for its commitment to local dairy production and consumption, such as cheese and Kajmak, was selected one of the good practice stories in the "Thriving Communities" category - a first time for Serbia. Additionally, she supported the planning and execution of various events and also organized "Japan Day" to introduce Japanese culture. Finally, Sakai tells us that she hopes that Zlatibor focuses more on tourist flow in high season, enhancing environmental considerations, and finding a balance between local life and tourism to become a role model for sustainable tourism in Serbia, expanding its vision for sustainable tourism.  

Yusuke Sugimura, a native of Tokyo, Japan, has dedicated five and a half years of his professional career to fostering tourism and supporting local economies. Working as a municipal employee in the Industrial Promotion Division of Chofu City Office in Tokyo, Sugimura spearheaded projects related to tourism promotion and regional economic development. Sugimura's current mission takes him to the historic city of As-Salt in Jordan. Nestled along a steep slope formed by three hills, As-Salt boasts historical structures crafted from distinctive yellow limestone. Recognized for its well-preserved state and the historical coexistence of Islamic and Christian communities, As-Salt earned the prestigious designation of "The place of tolerance and urban hospitality" as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021. Since then, the city has witnessed a surge in foreign tourists, particularly from Europe. However, challenges have emerged post-UNESCO recognition. Despite the increased influx of tourists, there is a notable lack of feedback regarding their needs and satisfaction levels. Effective communication with tourists is another hurdle that As-Salt faces. In response to those challenges, Sugimura has implemented four tourism promotion initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of tourism in As-Salt. The first initiative by him focuses on the establishment and operation of an official Instagram account. By regularly showcasing the picturesque cityscape and notable tourist spots, the account has garnered over 2,600 followers and achieved a total reach of approximately 380,000 people in just 18 months, establishing a robust platform for information dissemination. The second initiative involves conducting visitor surveys. By providing both QR code-enabled and handwritten survey options, Sugimura has been able to analyze the demographics and preferences of tourists, gaining valuable insights into their needs. The third initiative revolves around the issuance of a monthly newsletter. This newsletter consolidates information on all tourism-related activities, including conferences, VIP tours, local events, and children's activities, enhancing the visibility of tourism initiatives. The fourth initiative is centered on enhancing the IT literacy of museum staff members. Sugimura has provided training in fundamental technologies such as Excel, design applications, web surveys, and QR code generation. Manuals have been created for each skill, and the knowledge has been compiled on a shared cloud platform to ensure the continuity of technical skills even after Sugimura's volunteer tenure concludes. Through these initiatives, Sugimura aims to manage the temporary surge in tourism following UNESCO recognition as well as laying the groundwork for sustainable tourism development. The efforts have not only increased tourist engagement but have also addressed the crucial aspect of obtaining feedback and improving communication channels. The impacts of these initiatives are evident. As-Salt is now on a path towards sustainable and holistic tourism development by embracing the intersection of cultural richness and modern technology. As the city continues to attract visitors seeking to explore its charming yellow limestone architecture and historic sites, Sugimura's endeavors stand as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives.