Japan is a hot favourite with Australian travellers, with visits there growing faster than to any other destination – and the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) is throwing its weight behind a new air service that will push visitation even higher.
Japan will host the Rugby World Cup later this year – and All Nippon Airways (ANA) has confirmed it will start a daily Tokyo to Perth nonstop service from 1 September 2019 using a B787 Dreamliner.
Boeing studies show that the introduction of a new direct air service sees traffic triple.
JNTO’s Sydney Office is holding a joint seminar with Perth Airport and All Nippon Airways (ANA) to promote Japan as a travel destination, in conjunction with the new service.
The Japan Travel Agent Seminar, to be held on 6 February 2019, aims to update local travel trade professionals in Perth about new happenings in Japan. Suppliers from Japan will be available for business sessions with the local agents as well as networking over canapes and drinks.
This follows JNTO’s Japan Roadshow, held in Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland in November and December 2018.
Latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that in the 12 months to the end of October 2018, visits to Japan grew 12.1%. The only other destination to equal that was Indonesia (predominantly Bali) which also notched up growth from Australia of 12.1%.
Mt Fuji
Executive director of JNTO Sydney Office, Kana Wakabayashi, said his office was “so excited to be able to meet with our partners in Perth, especially during a time when exciting news such as direct flights has just been announced.
“These new flights will definitely serve to make it easier for more Western Australians to experience the unique offerings in Japan,” Wakabayashi added, “not to mention just in time for Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Through our partners, we know that demand in Perth has been growing year on year, and this new route just shows Japan’s dedication to ensuring we are able make travellers’ journeys unforgettable.”
General manager of Perth-based wholesaler Asia Escape Holidays, Mason Adams, expressed satisfactioin that “finally, after eight years we have a direct flight to Tokyo.
“This is fantastic news for Western Australian tourists wanting to visit Japan, and it’s great for WA also as we will start to see more and more Japanese tourists here. JNTO’s Japan Seminar comes at a perfect time to update the industry on all things Japan.”
Japan Magic
Flight NH882 is scheduled to depart Perth at 21.45 and arrive in Narita at 08.25 the following day. The return flight NH881 will depart Narita at 11.10 and arrive in Perth at 20.15. These daily flights will utilise a Boeing 787-8 aircraft with 32 business class and 152 economy class seats.
Written by Peter Needham
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