Staff Writer, Dubai

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), in a bid to further increase tourism demand from the Middle East to Japan, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Emirates on Wednesday to jointly promote Japan as a destination of choice for travelers from the Middle East who seek authentic, unique and luxurious experiences.

The multi-faceted promotional campaign will target consumers throughout the Gulf countries by undertaking various joint online and media activities.

Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline commented on the MOC signing, saying: “We are pleased to partner with JNTO to promote Japan to GCC travelers.

“The agreement to jointly promote Japan underscores Emirates’ confidence in the potential and attractiveness of the country as a world-class destination that offers unique experiences, and we are committed to promoting tourism from key target markets including the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

“We aim to play a major part in growing the market through our strong connectivity to three Japanese points – Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda and Kansai International Airport in Osaka.”

Shuichi Kameyama, Executive Senior Vice President said, “We are extremely happy to commence joint promotions in the Middle East with Emirates to encourage increased visitor traffic from the region to Japan. Through these collaborations we look forward to not only welcoming many more guests from the region to experience the very best that Japan has to offer, but also for our organization to further strengthen and deepen our relationship with Emirates going forward.”

In March 2019 JNTO and the Japan Tourism Agency highlighted the Middle East as a new key market for strategic development, within which increased marketing activities will take place based on the market’s high potential for luxury-based outbound travel.

Since then JNTO has strengthened its promotional presence within the region, which has included participation at the Arabian Travel Market 2019 in April, and its appointment of a representative office in Dubai with AVIAREPS in September 2019.

Prior to the signing of the MOC with Emirates, joint promotional seminars were also held with leading travel agencies in the UAE on October 29 and 30, 2019.

Continuing its ongoing marketing efforts and commitment to the Middle East market, JNTO is also planning to open a direct office in the UAE in 2020, through which promotional activities in the region will be further strengthened.

Japan has been an important part of Emirates’ network since 2002. Today, the airline offers 21 weekly flights to three Japanese points – Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda and Kansai International Airport in Osaka.