The Sultanate is set to participate again this year at Tourism Expo Japan 2024 from tomorrow to September 29, at Tokyo Big Sight, one of Japan’s largest exhibition venues.
The Tourism Development Department, with support from the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Tokyo, will host a seminar for around 50 Japanese travel industry representatives, including travel agents, universities, and media agencies.
The seminar will provide insights into marketing Brunei’s unique attractions, aiming to inspire more Japanese tourists to explore the “Abode of Peace”.
Seven local agencies, including hotels, travel agents, and Brunei’s national airline will join the Tourism Development Department .
Additionally, cultural performers from the Sultanate will showcase the nation’s rich heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into Brunei’s vibrant traditions and culture.
This year’s participation builds on the success of promotional efforts launched after Tourism Expo Japan 2023.
These initiatives included familiarisation trips for Japanese travel agents specialising in educational travel, along with representatives from the Japan School Trip Bureau.
Additionally, three Japanese social media influencers visited Brunei, sharing their unique experiences with their followers.
According to the department, since the establishment of new partnerships between Brunei and Japan last year, the country has seen a notable increase in Japanese visitors, including student groups.
Tourism Expo Japan, renowned for attracting around 150,000 visitors in its past editions, will this year feature exhibitors from over 150 countries and regions.
The expo serves as a platform for international tourism boards, travel companies, and hospitality professionals to connect, encouraging collaborations between the private and public sectors to foster growth in tourism and promote regional economies. Japan has consistently ranked among the top 10 source markets for Brunei, contributing to four per cent of the 133,630 total air arrivals in 2023.
For 2024, the Sultanate aims to welcome 360,000 tourists and generate BND228 million in revenue, specifically targeting 6,818 visitors from Japan, generating an estimated revenue of BND4.29 million. – James Kon
