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VisitBritain, JNTO to promote tourism between UK, Japan

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and VisitBritain have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Tokyo, committing both countries to the mutual exchange of experience and information in the field of tourism.
In anticipation of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, JNTO will execute the effective promotion of Japan to overseas visitors with the help of first-hand information and experiences shared by VisitBritain, the national tourism agency that succeeded in promoting inbound tourism to Britain through hosting the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The MoU sees JNTO and VisitBritain build a cooperative system, with the ultimate aim of increasing the number of visitors travelling between the two countries.

In 2013, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan reached 10 million for the first time in history. In the same year, Tokyo won the bid to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 2014 marks the start of Japan’s campaign to reach the even higher goal of attracting 20 million foreign tourists. Hosting the Games will present Japan with a golden opportunity to achieve this.

The first project is a Japan-UK tourism symposium, “Growth Strategy for Tourism, Making the Best Use of the Olympic and Paralympic Games” which will be held in London on Oct 2 at the Embassy of Japan.

JNTO President Ryoichi Matsuyama said “In 2013, Japan welcomed 10 million overseas visitors for the first time and we have started our working towards 2020. We are delighted to sign this MoU with successful Olympics host VisitBritain, and value the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games as an opportunity to transform Japan into a more tourism oriented country.”

Christopher Rodrigues, Chairman of VisitBritain, said: “2013 was a record year for British tourism and contrary to popular belief, we didn’t experience a drop in Olympic year either. This agreement - with our friends at JNTO - will enable us to pass on invaluable knowledge and help deliver a lasting tourism legacy for Japanese tourism.”

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