#Japan #Tokyo #Tourism #DMOs

Unlocking Sustainable Tourism in Japan

As Japan continues to evolve in the field of tourism, traditional frameworks, particularly Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), face challenges in their quest for effectiveness and profitability. On January 22, 2026, the Japan Planning Institute (JPI) will host a seminar titled "Strategies and Models for Profit-Driven Tourism Development through Private-led DMCs". This engaging event aims to shed light on sustainable regional management facilitated by private initiatives in tourism, particularly through the Development and Management Companies (DMCs).

Seminar Insights

The seminar will feature Keisuke Morinaga, the head of the Planning and Research Division at the Kyushu branch of the Development Bank of Japan. With over a decade since the institutionalization of DMOs in Japan, Morinaga will delve into the persistent issues such as ambiguous organizational purposes and a lack of specialized human resources and operational funding. Amidst these challenges, private-led DMOs are actively forming DMCs to alleviate these hurdles and promote effective tourism management.

During the session, attendees will be introduced to both domestic and international case studies of pioneering tourism development initiatives. Through comprehensive analysis, Morinaga will elucidate the success factors drawn from these exemplary cases. This exploration aims to foster a deeper understanding among participants and stimulate discussions on how these insights can be applied to their respective projects.

Key Topics to be Covered

The seminar will focus on several pivotal aspects, including:

1. Challenges Facing Destination Management Organizations (DMOs)
- Identifying the core issues within existing DMOs.
- Defining what constitutes a DMC.
- Exploring the various business types within DMCs and their potential for area development.

2. Advanced Examples of Tourism Development
- Highlighting innovative cases such as Kita Management and Kita Co., Machizukuri Ohnama, Toyama Prefecture’s Western Tourism Association, and the French city of Vichy.

3. Success Factors in Tourism Development
- Discussing essential elements that contribute to successful tourism projects.

4. Q&A and Discussion Session
- Engaging in meaningful exchanges of ideas and experiences among participants.

5. Networking Opportunity
- Facilitating connections and relationships among attendees, which are vital for expansion and collaboration in the tourism sector.

Participation Details

Participants have various options to engage with the seminar:

• - In-Person Attendance: Network and exchange ideas directly.
• - Live Streaming: Participate from the comfort of your own location.
• - Archived Access: Participants can reconnect with the seminar content for two weeks post-event, allowing flexible viewing times.

Registration Fees

• - General Admission: 37,330 yen (tax included).
• - Group Admission (2+ participants): 32,330 yen for simultaneous applications within the same organization.
• - Discounted Rate for Local Public Sector Employees: 11,000 yen for up to two participants, applicable only for in-person or live-stream attendance, with both individuals needing to register in the same format.

Post-Seminar Support

After the seminar, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the speaker and facilitate valuable connections amongst participants, enhancing networking possibilities and supporting new business initiatives. Don’t miss the chance to join the current discourse on sustainable tourism practices in Japan!

For detailed information and registration, visit JPI Seminar Registration.

About JPI (Japan Planning Institute)

For half a century, the Japan Planning Institute has stood as a bridge for knowledge between the government, private sector, and academia, providing pragmatic insights through exclusive seminars aimed at top executives and decision-makers involved in national policy and project implementation.