Long-Term Vision for Tourism as a Core Industry Unveiled

Shinsuke Ikegami, Professor and Dean, Graduate School of Business and Finance, Waseda University – Outline of the Vision

The Japan Tourism Association (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Masanobu Komeda, Chairman of the Board, Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.) has formulated a 'Long-Term Vision Depicting the Future of Tourism as a Core Industry' (hereinafter, 'the Vision') and announced it at its 63rd Ordinary General Meeting held on June 9.

Long-Term Vision for Tourism Targeting 2040

This Vision has been developed with a view toward 2040, a year when Japan will face major societal transformations, including a peak in its aging population and, in some regions, the shrinking of industrial foundations and even difficulties in maintaining essential life infrastructures such as healthcare, transportation, and education. The Vision sets forth a long-term framework for ensuring Japan's sustainable growth through tourism.

Reaching Beyond Tourism Professionals to the Younger Generation

The Vision is not solely directed at tourism-related businesses, organizations, government agencies, and local municipalities. It also aims to deepen understanding among those not directly involved in tourism about the role tourism plays in shaping local communities and Japan's future.

Simultaneously, the Association has released a message to the younger generation—'Choosing to Live Through Tourism: A Message to You, the Future Makers of Japan in 2040'—targeting those who will form the core of society by 2040. By promoting awareness of tourism’s importance and potential, and by highlighting diverse career opportunities within the tourism industry, the message encourages as many people as possible to consider tourism as a viable future path and become engaged with the sector.

Development Process

To formulate the Vision, the Association established a Vision Discussion Committee chaired by Professor Shinsuke Ikegami, Dean of the Graduate School of Business and Finance at Waseda University. From June of Reiwa 7, the committee conducted seven rounds of discussions with members from key member organizations, including DMOs (Destination Management Organizations), transportation, accommodation, and tourism facilities. The Association also hosted expert lectures to enrich the discussions from multiple perspectives.

Toward Realizing the Vision

The Association will continue addressing key challenges in tourism, including 'responding to overtourism,' 'promoting outbound travel to enhance two-way exchanges,' 'revitalizing domestic tourism,' and 'securing and nurturing tourism talent while improving productivity.' To realize this Vision, the Association will further strengthen collaboration with members and other stakeholders, advancing initiatives to position tourism as a core industry supporting Japan's economy and regional communities.

The full text and summary of the Vision and the message to the younger generation are available at the link below:

http://www.nihon-kankou.or.jp/home/activity/1781084028

Vision announced at the General Meeting; Lecture by Professor Shinsuke Ikegami, Chair of the Vision Committee; Group work during the Vision Committee sessions