KYOTA

Civic Life Meets Touristic Prevalence

Japan’s former capital is steeped in history, and is looking to blend this traditional appeal with modern marketing to keep the visitors flocking

AS ONE OF Japan’s most significant cities, both historically and in the present day, Kyoto continues to foster a harmonious balance between civic life and touristic prevalence.

Subsequently achieving indigenous prosperity and international acclaim in equal measure, the latter facet falls firmly under the remit of the Kyoto Tourism Association and the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau. Asia Outlook caught up with the Managing Director of both entities, Shuhei Akahoshi, who explains that a host of tourism marketing initiatives are being put in place to bridge the gap between

the indigenous and temporary population, for the betterment of the wider economy and regional revitalisation.

He looks back: “Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years between 794‐1867 and 1,200 years on to the modern‐day Kyoto has carved its name in history as a city that draws attention.”

The total number of visitors in

Kyoto in 2017 was a recorded 50 million, including 10 million visitors from overseas; while the number of overnight visitors reached 3.5 million.

The Kyoto Tourism Association as it is known now was established in 1960, and has since served on the frontline of the city’s tourism activities; monitoring trends, implementing strategy, and marketing to the rest of the world.

Akahoshi continues: “Then, in

2007, the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau was established with a view to spread Kyoto’s offering to the world through the promotion of art and culture, as well as foreign conventions and attractiveness as an international exchange base.

“Regarding this latter aspect, currently, MICE activities in Kyoto are attracted and hosted, and a one‐stop service is provided in cooperation with administrative agencies and stakeholders.”