The 26-member delegation, representing the Union of Kansai Governments, was led by Governor of Kyoto Prefecture, Mr. Keiji Yamada, and they were welcomed by the Deputy Secretary General (Management) of Ministry of Tourism and Culture, YBrs. Dr. Junaida Lee Abdullah.
“We are pleased that the Union of Kansai Governments wish to establish a wider and closer network of contacts with our Ministry. I really believe that cooperation and forging smart partnerships are vital so that both countries can enjoy an increased two-way tourism flow,” said Dr. Junaida during the welcome address.
Last year, Malaysia welcomed a total of 513,076 Japanese visitors to Malaysia. This showed an increase of 9.2 percent compared to 2012, and it is the highest number achieved since 2004. Tourism Malaysia is eyeing 1 million tourist arrivals from Japan in the near future.
Mr. Keiji Yamada said, “We are preparing to launch more halal tourism products to cater for Muslim travellers and to position Japan as a Muslim friendly country. Apart from this, both countries can work together to promote sports tourism especially with the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2020 and Kansai World Masters Games 2021. ”
During this trip to Malaysia, the delegation also took the opportunity to promote Kansai’s culture and tourism products to the locals by participating in Kansai Tourism Festival promotion event held at 1 Utama Shopping Complex.
In 2013, there were 176,500 Malaysians who visited Japan, which is a 35 percent increase from 130,300 in 2012. This was attributed to the short term visa exemption from 1 July 2013 and the drop in yen currency.
Members of the Union of Kansai Governments include Shiga Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, Tottori Prefecture, Tokushima Prefecture, Kyoto City, Osaka City, Sakai City and Kobe City. The promotion of tourism and culture is one of the main areas of focus for this union.
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