Adventure Tourism Academy's 3rd Cohort Recruitment
The Adventure Tourism Academy, organized by the Japan Adventure Tourism Organization (JATO), has officially opened the recruitment for its third session. As the focus on inbound tourism grows, this course empowers individuals and entities looking to revitalize their regions through tourism. With expertise from seasoned professionals, participants will learn effective strategies to attract high-value international travelers to their localities, transforming their regions into coveted tourist destinations.
Overview of the Academy
1. Success Stories from Previous Cohorts
Past participants in the online program expressed high satisfaction rates. The second cohort, which concluded in April 2025, welcomed 16 graduates. Feedback revealed that over 96% of the students were satisfied with the content and delivery of the course. Here are a few testimonials:
- - A Travel Company Employee from Miyagi stated, “Learning directly from leading professionals was incredibly beneficial. Engaging local community leaders as participants would amplify the program’s effectiveness.”
- - A Business Owner from Oita shared, “The insights on Adventure Tourism were crucial for sustainable inbound tourism, and I'm looking forward to applying what I learned to further our marketing efforts.”
Now, prospective attendees have the chance to become part of a community focused on leveraging regional strengths through innovative tourism strategies.
2. Field Training Report from the Second Cohort
From September 9-11, 2025, alumni from the online course took part in a field training session in Japan's renowned Adventure Tourism region of Hokkaido. This immersive experience allowed them to engage with theoretical concepts in real-world settings, including hands-on activities like canoeing on the Kushiro River. Reports from the participants highlighted the intense schedule and the wealth of unique experiences only available in Hokkaido.
- - Workshop Insights: The final day featured a workshop where participants mapped out their regional tourism plans, solidifying their newfound knowledge into practical applications. 100% of participants expressed they were ‘very satisfied’ with their experience, reassuring the organizers of the program’s impact.
3. Introduction to the 3rd Cohort
The next session begins on October 8, 2025, with content designed to mirror the successful elements of previous iterations. The purpose is to nurture individuals capable of crafting valuable tourist experiences in collaboration with various local stakeholders. Learning objectives include:
- - Understanding inbound tourism's potential and how to develop effective strategies.
- - Gaining insights into the relationships among industry players.
- - Learning sustainable practices in tourism development.
Who Should Enroll?
- - Local Government Officials: Those committed to enhancing regional tourism must understand how to create detailed strategic plans.
- - Travel Company Professionals: Individuals interested in exploring opportunities in inbound tourism can gain knowledge on navigating the industry.
- - DMOs and DMCs: Those looking to develop inbound tourism offerings can learn from case studies of other successful regions.
Academy Features
Training at the Adventure Tourism Academy encompasses a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application:
- - Access expert insights from professionals experienced in international inbound tourism.
- - Enjoy the convenience of an online program that fits into your busy schedule.
- - Participate in on-site fieldwork to develop hands-on skills.
- - Engage in a collegial environment that fosters networking and collaboration among future tourism leaders.
Enrollment and Costs
The course spans from October 2025 to February 2026 and includes 13 online classes from industry experts. Enrollment is priced at 280,000 yen, while JATO members benefit from a reduced rate of 230,000 yen.
Join us in the Adventure Tourism Academy and take part in shaping the future of inbound tourism in Japan! For registration and additional information, please visit the
official website. The deadline for applications is October 7, 2025.
About the Organizers
The Japan Adventure Tourism Organization (JATO) was established in April 2023 in collaboration with Japan Airlines and JTB Corporation. JATO's mission revolves around enhancing Japan’s Adventure Tourism landscape, promoting knowledge sharing, and addressing the needs of stakeholders within the tourism sector.