Issues facing Japan – its declining birth rate and an ageing population – have increased the importance of tourism as a factor in the country’s economic welfare, prime minister Yoshihiko Noda told delegates attending the WTTC Global Summit in Tokyo.
Promoting Japan was of significant importance to the Japanese Government and to the Japanese people, the prime minister added.
He recognised that some areas "needed further development, but tourism is the frontier for Japan" as it "attracts international visitors, creates jobs and develops relations with people".
Prime minister Noda highlighted the all-year tourism attractions of Japan, particularly of the Tohoku region which was devastated by the earthquake and tsunami on March 11 last year.
Michael Frenzel, WTTC chairman, and chairman of the executive board of TUI AG, said, "There is no doubt in our minds that Japan is well and truly open for business once again – and that Asia will be the main driver of growth for the global Travel & Tourism industry over the next 20 years or so."
