Gifu Prefecture has been a pioneer in Japan in promoting measures that focus on sustainability. For example, in 2007, Gifu Prefecture launched the “Gifu’s Treasures certification project”, and in 2009 initiated the “Hida/Mino Overseas Promotion Strategy” to promote these tourism resources to the rest of the world. Its efforts can be characterized as follows: (1) […]

Located in the southern part of the Ise Plain in Mie Prefecture, Meiwa Town has a population of 23,072 (as of March 2021) and an area of 41.04 km2. Blessed with agricultural and abundant marine products from the Ise Plain, a breadbasket region. Steeped in history, the town is home to the site of the […]

Empowering Sustainable Tourism through Collaboration The SDG Tourism Task Force Initiative is a powerful platform driving sustainable tourism practices in Latin America and the Caribbean. This innovative program equips destinations with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Key Highlights: -Collaborative Workshops: Interactive sessions bring together stakeholders from governments, NGOs, and the private sector […]

In the serene heart of Japan, where tradition meets nature’s beauty, we unveil a remarkable opportunity that celebrates the artistry of kintsugi and urushi lacquer forestry. After a year of dedicated effort and collaboration with the rural town of Daigo, we announce our first annual Japan travel experience workshop: Experience Urushi Forestry + Kintsugi, scheduled […]

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 […]

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 […]

Kudaka Island in Okinawa Prefecture, an island with a population of only 200 people, was experiencing a variety of problems due to the approximately 60,000 tourists who visit the island annually. In addition, as more and more young people wanted to return to the island, the lack of jobs and housing on the island was […]

Yoron Island is located around the latitude said to be the northern limit for seeing the Southern Cross constellation. Because it has a good environment for observing the night sky, the town authorities have been promoting astro-tourism (i.e., stargazing) as a new tourism product. This approach was initially undertaken through a partnership between Yoron Town […]

Under India’s G20 Presidency, the Tourism Working Group (TWG) has identified five priority areas – Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination Management, with the aim to transform the tourism sector towards a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive future for all. In view of this, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the Travel for LiFE (TFL) […]

Horizon 2020 project, funded by the European Commission, promotes cultural heritage in the vicinity of historic pilgrimage routes and facilitates economic and social impact of sustainable tourism in rural areas. The project started on 1 January 2021 and has a duration of 36 months, while its main phases include identification of pilot areas and relevant […]