Public-sector officials from the Middle East region come to Japan! (Oct. 4-26, 2012)
After being commissioned by JICA, PREX has been holding the FY 2012 Sustainable Tourism Development for the Middle East Region seminar from Oct. 4. This seminar is implemented under the new three-year plan from fiscal 2011, in keeping with the seminars held from fiscal 2008-2010 that shared the same themes, and this year is the second year of that plan.
Seminar features
Examining case studies in which local residents energetically participate in regional tourism promotion. -As tourists on organized tour groups move between their hotels and sightseeing spots, they mostly never come into contact with regional culture. The participants took a new look at stereotypical (mass) tourism. -Therefore, under the kind guidance of Professor Akio Maita of the Kyoto Saga University of the Arts, the participants visit Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Higashi Osaka City and Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture. The participants learn and experience the case studies linked to tourism promotion, such as local residents digging up some hand-crafted regional resources (a treasure hunt) and organizing their charming attractions (polishing the treasure).
Considering methods that make tourism regions shine Participants learn and experience case studies (based on Kyoto and Gero City, Gifu Prefecture) linked to tourism promotion, such as polishing existing tourism resources further and giving them some sparkle. The case studies experienced by participants are a cycling tour in Kyoto, a new form of enjoyment in the local tourism areas, and in Gero, the hospitality and eco-tourism of traditional hot-spring inns.
Furthermore, exercises are implemented midway through the seminar to determine what activities should be carried out in order to improve the tourism menus, making the case studies that the participants observe to be themes.
Seminar name: Sustainable Tourism Development for the Middle East Region Schedule/period: Oct. 4-26 , 2012, just over 3 weeks Participating countries/regions: Total of 4 countries and territories (Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan) Participants: Total of 6 public-sector officials involved in tourism and regional promotion
