#Japan #Naha City #Ryukyu Bank #Good Fellows #Okinawa Tourism

Collaboration in Okinawa's Tourism

In a significant move towards enhancing the tourism experience in Okinawa, Good Fellows Corporation, headquartered in Musashino, Tokyo, has signed a partnership agreement with Ryukyu Bank. The initiative aims to promote digital transformation (DX) across local tourist facilities, utilizing advanced technological solutions for improved visitor experiences. This marks a crucial step in leveraging technology to cater to the increasing influx of visitors, particularly from Taiwan, which highlights the growing demand for seamless access to attractions in Okinawa.

At the heart of this collaboration is the integration of Ryukyu Bank's VEGA3000, a cutting-edge cashless payment terminal, with Good Fellows' ticketing and operational support system known as Kensaku-kun. By streamlining ticket sales and entry processes, both organizations are set to deliver a stress-free experience for tourists. This partnership will commence with an initial deployment of Good Fellows' system at Shurijo Castle Park in February 2026, and by autumn of the same year, it is expected to introduce a time-based entry management system coinciding with the completion of the Shurijo Castle’s main hall.

Introducing VEGA3000 and Kensaku-kun

The VEGA3000 is designed to enhance payment flexibility, accommodating various payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, QR codes, and electronic money, including Taiwan's leading EasyCard. The synergy with Good Fellows’ Kensaku-kun ticketing system, already adopted by over 400 tourist attractions nationwide, will allow a single streamlined experience from payment to entry. This collaboration stands to revolutionize the way tourists interact with services at these destinations.

Background: Rising Inbound Demand in Okinawa

Taiwanese visitors hold a vital share of the Okinawa tourism market, making it imperative to enhance both payment and entry experience. Tourist attractions have been shifting towards automation to address challenges such as workforce shortages and operational efficiency. In this climate, digitizing entry operations has gained immense urgency.

Value Proposition of the Partnership

• - Automation of Ticketing: Kensaku-kun will facilitate automated ticket issuance and entry exit management.
• - Reduced Staff Workload: The system is designed to ease the burden on staff, which will help alleviate crowding during peak times.
• - Enhanced Data Utilization: The collaboration will empower the DX initiatives and data analytics capabilities of tourist facilities.
• - Expansion Plans: Following the implementation at Shurijo Castle, there’s a strategy to roll out this technological framework across various attractions in Okinawa.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, both Good Fellows and Ryukyu Bank are committed to advancing the digital transformation of Okinawa’s tourism sector. Their joint efforts will focus on entry management, data-driven marketing, and the distribution of tickets, aiming to offer comprehensive support through innovative ICT products and services.

About Good Fellows Corporation

Good Fellows specializes in providing ticketing solutions for leisure facilities, museums, ski resorts, and more. They support operations with a range of ICT products and services and act as a ticket distribution platform, driving sales for ticket facilities. Through strengthened relationships and utilizing their expertise, they aim to facilitate improved marketing strategies via ICT.

Learn more about Good Fellows here.

About Ryukyu Bank

Ryukyu Bank offers cashless payment services to enhance convenience for merchants. The bank also emphasizes DX as a tool for addressing regional challenges, offering DX Diagnosis Services to help overcome labor shortages and boost productivity through constructive dialogue with business owners. This strategic approach encourages the initiation of DX efforts within the local ecosystem.

Discover more about Ryukyu Bank here.