Japanese DMO Setouchi Tourism Authority has rolled out a brand new consumer website at setouchitrip.com
The tourism body was created in 2016 and is the largest of its kind in Japan as the first to cover multiple prefectures.
The new site features a dedicated travel trade portal with access to the Setouchi Guide, maps and sightseeing content to enable agents to sell the region with confidence.
Agents can also access a directory giving details on local restaurants, attractions and events.
it comes as inbound tourism to Japan is booming with record arrivals from many major markets including the UK which is growing at about 10-15% annually.
That is only likely to increase even more with major events lined up such as the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The website is mobile friendly and contains a visual guide to activities and adventures throughout Setouchi, based on six different segments from art and culture to food and drink.
There is also an integerated booking platform powered by tours and activities aggregator Voyagin.
A global YouTube campaign launches this month to promote the new website.
"The launch of an internationally focused website is a key development for driving Setouchi’s tourism, providing an additional resource for the travel trade and consumers about the Setouchi region and the experiences it offers to travellers, " said Tomohiro Muraki, director of the Setouchi Tourism Authority.
Setouchi includes the seven prefectures of Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Kagawa and Ehime.
