On May 28, 2026, we hosted the "Practical Symposium on Sustainable Tourism Destination Development in Sendai" at the Sendai International Center. In this symposium, we engaged in deep discussions alongside practitioners from various fields regarding specific methodologies for destination management utilizing international standards.
■ Program Overview
【Keynote Lecture】"For Tohoku to Remain True to Tohoku: Utilizing International Standards to Be Chosen for Quality"Takeshi Takayama (Managing Director, JARTA)
【Case Studies of Practical Initiatives】
- Utilizing Travelife in Travel Agencies(Mr. Koichiro Suzuki, Representative Director, Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc.)
- Regional Resources and Sustainability in Adventure Travel(Mr. Kazuhiro Arai, Chairman, Hokkaido Adventure Travel Association)
- Cycle Tourism and Addressing Overtourism Challenges(Mr. Hisashi Inoue, Representative Director, Ridas Inc.)
- Case Studies of Initiatives in Shikoku(Ms. Yuka Abe, Representative Director, Anabuki Travel Inc.)
■ Panel Discussion: How to Leverage International Standards in Destination Management
Moderator: Mr. Raisuke Nishitani, Representative Director, Inbound Tohoku Inc.
During the discussion, we shared concrete perspectives on the management approach advocated by JARTA, which visualizes "operators as 'points,' travel agencies as 'lines' that connect value, and municipalities/DMOs as 'planes' for broader deployment."
Professionals from each region took the stage to engage in a lively exchange of ideas with attendees, focusing on practical measures for destination management that blend international certifications with hands-on field operations.
Detailed coverage of the event has been compiled into the articles below!
