Japan appoints local rep

THE Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) is expanding its focus on the Australian market, this morning confirming the appointment of Julie King & Associates to assist with PR, marketing and consulting for FY18.

JNTO Sydney office executive director Kana Wakabayashi said the objective was to “improve JNTO’s position as a promotional destination partner for tourism industry media, influencers and other relevant agencies”.

She said the Julie King team would also provide consultation on how to improve future marketing activities, building on King’s extensive connections and expertise in Australian and international markets.

King said she was delighted at the new partnership.

“Japan is achieving huge growth at the moment from the Australian market and is a destination with great diversity which offers lots for visitors from this region to experience year- round,” she said.

King said her organisation looked forward to connecting more partners with JNTO, and also bringing the “lesser known areas of Japan to life”.

Other key clients for Julie King & Associates include the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing.

Upcoming activities for JNTO include the Visit Japan Travel Mart and Visit Japan MICE Mart, which will take place in Tokyo next month under the combined banner of Tourism Expo Japan.