The WEST NARA Wide Area Tourism Promotion Council is an organization comprised of eleven organizations: Ikaruga Town (the hub of the organization that is home to the World Cultural Heritage site of Horyu-ji Temple); Yamatokoriyama City; Heguri Town; Sango Town; Ando Town; Oji Town; Ikaruga Town Tourism Association; Yamatokoriyama City Tourism Association; Oji Town Tourism […]

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) […]

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 […]

 Our pilot project for digital transformation in tourism is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting sustainable tourism through innovation and collaboration. In alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, we have ambitious objectives and core areas to enhance the tourist experience, promote ecological and social sustainability, and forge global partnerships.  […]

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 […]

The Via Francigena is one of the most popular pilgrimage routes in the world, spanning centuries of history and stretching along 3200 kilometres in the UK, France, Switzerland and Italy. In 1994, the route was awarded ‘Cultural Route of the Council of Europe’ status in recognition of its role in promoting common European values. The […]

UNWTO and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs are launching the 2022 UNWTO Students’ League – Switzerland, an innovative environment to empower and motivate tourism and hospitality students by giving them real-time experience. Through an online competition, Students from around the world will compete to give the tourism sector their best sustainable ideas on the pressing subjects of the sector, such […]