JETAABC and the Visit Japan Campaign

JETAA British Columbia and Yukon is the Canadian chapter designated as Special Representative for the Visit Japan Campaign. This wiki page is for collecting the information related to JETAABC's cooperation with the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO). Please feel free to edit the page as you see fit to improve and contribute!

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• News
• FAQ
• Designation Ceremony June 15, 2006

News

• 1-Jul-06: Added photo of dragon boat team with Yokoso! Japan coats (see bottom of page)
• 30-Jun-06: Added photo of plaque (see bottom of page)
• 15-Jun-06: JETAABC Designated as Special Representative to the Visit Japan Campaign at a special event.
• 15-Jun-06: Page created.

FAQ

What is the Visit Japan Campaign?

The Visit Japan Campaign is the Japanese government's initiative to encourage tourism to Japan. The program tries to make it easier for foreign visitors to access Japan, in addition to a healthy dose of PR. It has been ongoing since 2003, but has only recently started focusing on Canada since 2005. The project is handled by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

What does it mean for JETAABC to be a Special Representative to the Visit Japan Campaign?

Recognizing that JET Alumni are good at promoting grassroots cultural understanding between Japan and our local communities (how many of us have shared stories about Japan, or even brought friends and relatives over to Japan?), JNTO wants to increase cooperation with JETAA as part of its efforts to increase the number of Canadians going to Japan. They are willing to support us with a budget to do projects related to promoting understanding of Japan as a tourist destination, too.

The "special representative" status was conferred on the New York JETAA Chapter for the US. We are sort of the equivalent in Canada. JNTO sees the BC chapter as sort of a pilot or leadership chapter, and wants to work first with us to promote grassroots awareness of Japan as a tourist destination in Canada.

Why was JETAABC chosen to be the special representative?

Some of the reasons given were JETAABC's record of active participation in community events, and its effective communications. This is especially interesting considering that JNTO's Canadian offices are in Toronto. ;-)

How can JETAABC members get involved?

Great question! JNTO has asked us to propose some ideas, and is willing to support us with a budget. We're still in the planning stages, so we'd love to hear your suggestions about what JETAABC can do to help promote awareness of Japan as a tourist destination. Some of the things we're thinking about include:

• Letting alumni know about resources available to help plan trips to Japan through our website and newsletter.
• Publicizing the Yokoso! Japan message in our community activities, such as the Dragon Boat Team. (look for some spiffy happi coats at the Alcan Dragon Boat Race!)
• Holding a session at the Canada Conference for all the chapters to come up with project ideas together.
• What else can we do? Add something to the list by editing this page or emailing .

What resources are available for visitors to Japan?

If you have a friend or relative who, after hearing your JET stories, wants to visit Japan, refer them to the Yokoso Japan website, which is designed to help people find tours and accomodation, as well as offer travel tips like where to find bargains.

Designation Ceremony June 15, 2006

JETAABC member Alcvin Ramos
performs the shakuhachi.

JETAABC was officially designated the Special Representative to the Visit Japan Campaign in Canada at a ceremony in Vancouver on June 15, 2006.

An invitation to the Yokoso! Japan Showcase dinner was extended to all JETAABC members on a first-come, first-served basis. Some 120 guests were in attendance, including Consul General Toshiyuki Taga, representatives from JNTO in Tokyo and Toronto, and many members of the tourism industry.

JETAABC members Deborah Barnett, Greg Joughin, and Anita Lien shared their stories of experiences in Japan, and JETAABC member Alcvin Ramos gave a shakuhachi performance that earned much praise from those in attendance. Some of the door prizes even included air tickets to Japan from ANA and JAL, Japan Rail Passes, and free hotel stays!

Some interesting tidbits from the dinner presentations:

• JAL has a flat fee 10,000 yen domestic airfare for foreign visitors -- you can go from Okinawa to Hokkaido on that if you want.
• There's a Japan tourist info site made especially for Canadians.

JETAABC members receiving the designation plaque, acccompanied by consulate and JNTO staff.

Large image of the plaque

JETAABC's Ready, JET, Go! Dragon Boat Team paddles with a warm welcome message.