How O-Tetsu-Tabi Collaborates with Sekisui House and Marriott

The O-Tetsu-Tabi Initiative: Bridging Work and Travel

In an innovative collaboration, O-Tetsu-Tabi, a Tokyo-based company, has joined forces with Sekisui House and Marriott International to roll out the 'Fairfield by Marriott Michinoeki Project.' This initiative is designed to enhance regional revitalization and address labor shortages in rural Japan. The collaboration has already seen significant participation at three locations: South Furano in Hokkaido, the Hiruzen Highland in Okayama, and Kumano Kodo Susami in Wakayama.

Project Overview and Objectives

The Fairfield by Marriott Michinoeki Project is part of a larger effort spearheaded by Sekisui House and Marriott to foster local revitalization, managing 29 hotel facilities across Japan. By proposing a travel style that showcases the hidden charms of each region, the project aims to encourage exploration of Japan's lesser-known attractions. The project's motto, "Quest for the Unknown Japan," encapsulates its objective to provide unique local experiences and stimulate community engagement through travel.

In a response to the urgent need for workers during peak seasons, O-Tetsu-Tabi serves as a matching service that connects local businesses struggling with labor shortages to individuals eager to experience travel while working. This project not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also fosters community engagement, creating long-term stakeholders emotionally connected to the areas where they work.

Implementation and Achievements

The initiative has successfully implemented the following facilities:
1. Fairfield by Marriott South Furano
2. Fairfield by Marriott Hiruzen Highland
3. Fairfield by Marriott Kumano Kodo Susami

Participants engage in a variety of operations related to the hospitality sector, including cleaning guest rooms, making beds, and offering customer service. They also have the opportunity to explore the local area during their free time, highlighting the unique culinary and scenic experiences available.

Notably, participants enjoyed special accommodation rates of just 2,000 yen per night under Marriott's comfort standards, enabling them to balance work and leisure seamlessly. The outcomes were impressive:

- An application rate five times the available spots (54 applicants for 11 positions)
- An average satisfaction score of 4.6 out of 5 from participants
- Positive feedback from receiving facilities, with many expressing eagerness to host more participants in the future.

The qualitative feedback reflects high levels of engagement and satisfaction, with participants commenting on both the job experience and the enriching interactions with community members.

Voices from Participants

- A 60-year-old woman remarked on rediscovering the beauty of South Furano and expressed gratitude for the delightful people she met.
- Another participant shared the joy of working while surrounded by breathtaking views and expressed gratitude for the comfortable accommodations.
- A 60-year-old male participant described his cycling adventures around the Hiruzen Highland, also noting how engaging his work experience was.

Comments from Local Leaders

Ken Matsumoto, the manager at Fairfield by Marriott South Furano, mentioned that participants enjoyed planning their next journeys on the terrace during sunset and seeking out scenic spots like the sea of clouds at dawn. Such experiences have fostered genuine connections between participants and local staff, enhancing the overall impact of the project on community spirit and tourism.

Lina Nagaoka, CEO of O-Tetsu-Tabi, expressed her enthusiasm for partnering in the project. She has a strong personal affiliation with the initiatives and highlighted that the primary goal extends beyond labor matching. It aims to create a flow of resources and goodwill throughout Japan, nurturing a network of mutual support.

The Future of O-Tetsu-Tabi

As it stands, O-Tetsu-Tabi's mission transcends mere labor solutions. With over 89,000 registered participants, the service appeals increasingly to various demographics, from young travelers to more seasoned individuals seeking adventure post-retirement. The collaboration with Sekisui House and Marriott is a step toward creating sustainable tourism models that establish long-term connections between locals and visitors.

In this ever-changing landscape of rural Japan, initiatives like O-Tetsu-Tabi foster not only economic support but also cultural exchanges that enrich both participants and host communities. Together with partners who share the same vision, O-Tetsu-Tabi is eager to expand this innovative framework, proving that travel can indeed connect people while invigorating local economies.

For more details about the initiative or to learn how you can get involved, visit O-Tetsu-Tabi's website.