JNTO signs MoU with Emirates to increase visitors from Middle East

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

To further increase tourism demand from the Middle East to Japan, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with Emirates to jointly promote Japan as a destination of choice for travelers from the Middle East seeking authentic, unique and luxurious experiences.

The multi-faceted promotional campaign will target consumers throughout the Gulf Countries by undertaking various joint online and media activities.

In March 2019 JNTO and the Japan Tourism Agency highlighted the Middle East as a new key market for strategic development, within which increased marketing activities will take place based on the market’s high potential for luxury-based outbound travel.

Since then the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has strengthened its promotional presence within the region, which has included participation at the Arabian Travel Market 2019 in April, and its appointment of a representative office in Dubai with AVIAREPS in September 2019. Prior to the signing of the MOC with Emirates, joint promotional seminars were also held with leading travel agencies in the UAE on Oct.29 and 30th, 2019.  Continuing its ongoing marketing efforts and commitment to the Middle East market, JNTO is also planning to open a direct office in the UAE in 2020, through which promotional activities in the region will be further strengthened.

Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline commented on the MOC signing, saying: “We are pleased to partner with the Japan National Tourism Association to promote Japan to GCC travellers.

The agreement to jointly promote Japan underscores Emirates’ confidence in the potential and attractiveness of the country as a world-class destination that offers unique experiences, and we are committed to promoting tourism from key target markets including the UAE, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. We aim to play a major part in growing the market through our strong connectivity to three Japanese points – Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda and Kansai International Airport in Osaka.”

Shuichi Kameyama, Executive Senior Vice President said, “We are extremely happy to commence joint promotions in the Middle East with Emirates to encourage increased visitor traffic from the region to Japan. Through these collaborations we look forward to not only welcoming many more guests from the region to experience the very best that Japan has to offer, but also for our organisation to further strengthen and deepen our relationship with Emirates going forward.”

Japan has been an important part of Emirates’ network since 2002. Today, the airline offers 21 weekly flights to three Japanese points – Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda and Kansai International Airport in Osaka.

Onboard, Emirates offers a Japanese dining experiences across all three classes, including specialized traditional Kaiseki cuisine for First Class passengers and bento boxes in Business Class. The airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, offers over 4,500 channels of movies, TV shows and programmes, including several channels of Japanese content. The Emirates onboard experience not only caters to Japanese customers, but also gives travelers from the Middle East a flavour of Japan before they arrive.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is involved in a broad range of activities both domestically and worldwide, to encourage international tourists from all over the world to visit Japan.

With distinctive four seasons, unique cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty and hospitable people, Japan looks forward to welcoming more visitors from the UAE. From traditional culture with the 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites to modern pop culture including manga and anime, Japan is the perfect holiday destination for anyone who is looking for authentic travel experience.

Emirates Airline is the world’s largest international airline, flying to 158 destinations in 85 countries. Emirates operates nearly 270 modern aircraft and is the world’s largest operator of the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 family of aircraft.

The airline’s industry trendsetting amenities, regionally inspired cuisine, award-winning in-flight entertainment system – ice – and unmatched hospitality provided by its iconic multi-lingual Cabin Crew from over 130 nationalities have made Emirates one of the world’s most recognized and well-loved airline brands.