Japan Airlines, JTB Corporation and the Japan Adventure Tourism Organization (JATO) are teaming up to launch a programme supporting human resource advancement in Japan’s bourgeoning adventure tourism sector.
Run by the Adventure Tourism Academy, which was founded in April 2023, the courses will “develop leaders who can maximise the appeal of local areas and realise sustainable tourism”, according to a JATO spokesperson.
Participants will learn how to develop sustainable tourism regions, using methods such as in-person lectures, online workshops and onsite skill-building.
The move comes amid nationwide efforts to promote adventure tourism by utilising the country’s “rich natural environment and diverse cultural resources”, which have the potential to attract more international visitors to regional areas, thereby revitalising local economies, continued the spokesperson.
JATO says more extensive training will help the sector’s human resources address the challenges they face, including “raising awareness (of adventure tourism in Japan), strengthening safety management, using local resources sustainability and cooperating across various administrative organisations”.
Instruction in theory and practice will be provided by a team with extensive experience in Japan and overseas, including active practitioners of adventure tourism and experts in tourism policy, regional tourism development and risk management.
“By addressing the issue of cultivating leadership talent in the Japanese adventure tourism market, we hope to link the UN Sustainable Development Goals and regional assets to economic value through tourism,” said a JAL spokesperson.
A JTB spokesperson added that talent development in Japan’s adventure tourism sector will help “achieve a win-win situation for local communities, travellers and society”.
With a career spanning three decades in the hospitality industry, Richter is renowned for his proficiency in managing both resorts and city hotels, having held leadership positions in several major destinations worldwide, including Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Germany, the US and the UK. He most recently served as the multi-property general manager at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Hotel Am Steinplatz Autograph Collection in Berlin, Germany.
The Kai Tak Mall, part of the Kai Tak Sports Park family, will be home to CA Sega Joypolis’ first flagship outside Japan, Joypolis Sports Indoor Sportainment Park.
As the operator of Japan’s largest indoor amusement park Tokyo Joypolis, CA Sega Joypolis has over 20 years of experience in operating entertainment facilities. In its efforts to expand its global footprint, CA Sega Joypolis has authorised the launch of the first Joypolis Sports flagship outside Japan – a new sports-themed park.
Located in Hong Kong, this flagship spans five storeys and nearly 2,787m², features over 20 attractions that blend latest technology with innovative entertainment, and is poised to become Hong Kong’s most eagerly awaited new sportainment attraction.
Each floor of the Joypolis Sports Hong Kong flagship showcases a unique theme that combines play and sports. It comprises three key themed zones: Ninja Dojo, for modern ninja training; Sonic the Hedgehog Themed Interactive Playground – The First Sonic Stadium; and Future Arena, for sports and innovative entertainment.
In keeping with the Tokyo Joypolis culture, Joypolis Sports will also regularly collaborate with popular Japanese brands and IPs to launch exclusive events, featuring limited merchandise and souvenirs.
On the top floor is the Hungry Tiger Hidden Dragon restaurant and bar that blends sports elements with popular IPs. It features a semi-alfresco dining area with a view of the main stadium. Aligning with the Kai Tak Sports Park theme, the restaurant offers healthy options and limited themed meals like muscle-building dishes, vegetarian meals, and energy shakes. In the evening, it transforms into a stylish bar, providing an interactive space for spectators and event participants.
Takeshi Yoshimoto, CEO of CA Sega Joypolis, said: “Opening the first authorised JOYPOLIS SPORTS flagship outside Japan in Hong Kong is a significant step in our global expansion. We selected Kai Tak Sports Park and its Kai Tak Mall for its excellent location and first-class facilities, which are sure to attract many local and international visitors. We believe this new indoor amusement park will bring unprecedented entertainment experiences and surprises to all visitors.”
“Our goal is to become the leading sports social platform, and we believe the Joypolis Sports Hong Kong flagship will set off a new wave of sportainment excitement across the city,” shared Andrew Tsui, general manager of Joypolis Sports Hong Kong.