AS part of the CNMI government’s efforts to expand the Japanese tourism market, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios left for Japan on Monday for a three-day visit to meet with high-level Japanese government officials, travel and airline representatives, as well as travel-related organizations.
The governor, who is expected to be back on island on April 6, was also scheduled to meet with U.S. Embassy officials in Japan and the Japan Association of Travel Agents or JATA, which is sanctioned by the commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency and consists of over 1,100 travel agency memberships. JATA contributes to the development of Japan’s travel and tourism industry, promoting international and domestic travel.
Palacios will likewise meet with officials of the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Tourism; the executive vice president of the Japan Airport Terminal Company; the deputy minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry; agents and representatives of Japan Tourist Bureau Corp., one of the leading and largest travel agencies in Japan; and representatives of various travel agencies.
Established in 1963, JTB Corp. has over 380 branches in Japan. It used to have 480 branches prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Palacios will also meet with representatives of United Airlines, Skymark Airlines, and the Rakuten Travel Organization.
The governor has already met with Japan Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada.
According to the Office of the Governor, Palacios’s visit to Japan “emphasizes the governor and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang’s commitment to working with the Japanese government and travel partners to help increase the number of visitors from Japan to the CNMI.”
The governor will be sharing the highlights of his meetings in Japan throughout the week.
Joining the governor in Japan were Marianas Visitors Authority acting Board Chair Gloria Cavanaugh, Board Member Chris Nelson and acting Managing Director Judy Torres.
Japan used to be the CNMI’s primary tourism market.
Source : Mvariety
