#Japan #Tokyo #Inbound Tourism #WaWo Japan Travel #WaWo Pic(k)s

WaWo Pic(k)s: Bridging the Gap for Inbound Tourism

The landscape of Japan's tourism is undergoing a significant transformation as the demand for experiential travel options surges among inbound visitors. In response to this growing trend, WaWo Japan Travel, a Tokyo-based inbound travel company, has recently announced the launch of its innovative service, WaWo Pic(k)s. This initiative aims to harness the diverse skills and insights of local foreign communities to address the unique challenges faced by tourism operators in Japan.

Rising Demand for Experiential Tourism

With Japan opening its borders post-COVID-19, the projected number of inbound travelers is expected to reach approximately 3.37 million by June 2025, marking a 7.6% increase from the previous year. This surge is accompanied by a pronounced shift in preferences, with travelers increasingly seeking hands-on experiences, such as culinary classes, cultural activities, and adventure tours. Consequently, numerous new businesses are entering the market, while existing ones are racing to create and promote enticing content tailored for inbound travelers.

Support Services for Tourism Operators

Recognizing the urgent need for support, WaWo Japan Travel aims to assist local tourism providers by leveraging its extensive network of foreign residents. The company has formed a vibrant community of over 170 members from around 30 different countries, all of whom are passionate about Japanese culture and tourism. With this unique community as a resource, the new WaWo Pic(k)s service facilitates connections between these foreign residents and tourism operators looking to improve their offerings.

This service allows tourism providers to receive tailored feedback from foreign community members. For instance, businesses offering experiential activities can engage members of the community to participate in their events. Participants provide valuable insights and suggestions from the perspective of international visitors, ultimately helping to enhance the attractions and activities offered.

Additionally, promotions can be bolstered through photography sessions capturing members engaged in activities, which can then be utilized for marketing campaigns aimed at attracting inbound tourists. The photo content serves as an authentic portrayal of the experiences available, making promotions more appealing and effective.

The service also encompasses assistance with social media engagement, ensuring that the experiences shared by the participants are well-publicized and invite further inquiries from potential tourists.

Launch and Trial Phase

Ahead of the official launch, WaWo Japan Travel conducted a trial with True Japan Tour, a company known for offering diverse inbound experiences. This trial involved foreign community members participating in new experience content testing and promotional photography. Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the friendly and approachable nature of the guides, which made visitors feel more comfortable asking questions.

Daisuke Yonehara, head of the travel division at True Japan Tour, expressed his satisfaction with the service, noting, _“Without engaging photos of real experiences, our website and brochures struggle to convey appeal. The diverse nationalities among the participants contributed greatly to our promotional materials. The insights we received about content improvement were invaluable, and the social media interaction has resulted in increased inquiries.”_

Service Overview

Service Name: WaWo Pic(k)s
Target Audience: Companies, organizations, and facilities accepting inbound tourists
Service Pricing: Starting at 50,000 yen
Service Features:

• - Creation of promotional photography featuring local foreign residents
• - Advisory support to enhance experiential activities and tours for inbound visitors
• - Encouragement of reviews from participants
• - Social media promotion guidance aimed at foreign audiences

About the Community

The WaWo community comprises over 170 foreign residents with a keen interest in Japan's culture and travel, representing various countries including Canada, France, Germany, and Taiwan, with ages ranging from 20s to 60s.

Company Background

Founded in March 2022, WaWo Japan Travel focuses on inbound tourism, primarily catering to travelers from Europe, America, and Australia. Collaborating with various DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations), the company seeks to unveil and enhance the hidden gems of Japan for foreign visitors, ultimately striving to foster meaningful connections between visitors and local cultures.

For more information about WaWo Japan Travel, please visit their website.