#Japan #Tokyo #Tourism #hospitality #Ryokan

Nationwide Gathering of the Ryokan Political Federation

On October 20, 2023, the Ryokan Political Federation hosted an important assembly at the Shipping Club in Tokyo. The event saw the participation of 80 members from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as well as 105 parliamentary representatives. Among the notable attendees were key ministers including Takuya Iwaya, the federation's president and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Akizuki Ryo, the Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization.

These leaders fervently addressed the need for further advancements within the hospitality and tourism sectors in Japan, emphasizing their pivotal role in supporting the country's economy and job creation. A strong call to action was made, highlighting the importance of ongoing support for the industry's growth.

Young Entrepreneurs Rally for Support

Just a day later, on October 21, an impressive gathering brought together around 150 young hospitality entrepreneurs from the All Japan Ryokan and Hotel Association's youth division. This group convened in Tokyo to formally提出要求 for continued support to members of both houses of the Japanese legislature.

The youth division is not new to advocating for the elevation of the hospitality sector; they have actively engaged in initiatives to strengthen the industry's position. This year, the focus has been on the vital contributions of the accommodation and tourism sector in attracting global travelers, emphasizing that staying at Japanese inns, experiencing local culture, and appreciating natural and historic sites are essential attractions.

However, the industry faces multifaceted challenges, such as improving productivity and profitability while addressing labor shortages and the frequent occurrences of natural disasters. The young entrepreneurs presented a series of requests to ensure sustainable growth and a higher industry status.

Key Requests

The requests included:
1. Elevation of the Hospitality Sector - The government is urged to reinforce the importance of the hospitality sector as a crucial national industry, providing a clear message to current and future workers.
2. Support for Noto Peninsula Earthquake Response - Continued assistance is sought for businesses affected by last year's earthquake, focusing on job retention and infrastructure recovery.
3. Removal and Revitalization of Abandoned Buildings - As part of enhancing tourist destinations, the young leaders asked for enhanced support for the demolition and repurposing of dilapidated structures, which can obstruct new tourism initiatives.
4. Barrier-Free Access Support - As Japan's population ages, promoting universal tourism through the enhancement of facilities to accommodate seniors was highlighted as a key goal.
5. Emergency Preparedness - The hospitality industry expressed a desire to be proactive in disaster response, requesting support for establishing efficient information-sharing systems during emergencies.
6. Seismic Safety Measures - With Japan's susceptibility to earthquakes, there is an urgent need for reinforced safety measures for lodging facilities.
7. Human Resource Solutions - In addressing the critical labor shortages in the hospitality sector, the entrepreneurs called for support in employing foreign workers and improving operational efficiencies.
8. Establishment of a Mutual Aid System - A public insurance system for tourism operators to mitigate losses from natural disasters was also proposed.
9. Preservation of Cultural Assets - Financial assistance was requested for the maintenance of designated cultural heritage sites within hospitality businesses.
10. Support for Hygiene Practices - Enhancing hygiene and safety protocols within the accommodation sector was included among the necessary support areas.

Continuing forward, these initiatives will not only bolster the industry but also position Japan as a prominent global hospitality destination, aimed at sustainable growth and community revitalization.

Conclusion

The meetings in Tokyo mark a significant step towards amplifying the voices of Japan's hospitality industry. The combined efforts of established political advocates and the passionate young entrepreneurs reflect a shared vision of making Japan's tourism sector an integral part of the country's economic framework. As we look ahead, the collaborative spirit among stakeholders will be pivotal in transforming challenges into opportunities for the future of Japanese tourism.