Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showcased its 2nd annual association roadshow in Singapore on 27 October, organised in partnership with TTG Events, organisers for IT&CM Asia and IT&CM China.
The half-day roadshow saw 35 Singapore-based association buyers, PCOs, and AMCs handpicked by TTG Events, connect with convention and visitor bureau (CVB) representatives as well as senior directors from JNTO Singapore and its headquarters counterpart Japan Convention Bureau.
The roadshow opened with a seminar that armed attending buyers with useful tips on “Taking Your Association Meeting Overseas” with the help of a support network of venue providers, Professional Congress Organisers and Convention & Exhibition Bureaus. Moderated by Mohan Balagopal, President of Alumni International Singapore, the list of speaker panellists include Susan Ong, Deputy Director of JNTO Singapore, Ong Wee Min, Executive Director of Sales of Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Oscar Cerezales, Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific of MCI Group and Professor Ang Peng Hwa, President-Elect of International Communication Association.
Attending CVBs on-hand to participate in focused business discussions with buyers included Chiba Convention Bureau, Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau, Matsue Convention Bureau Kunibiki Messe, Niigata Visitors & Convention Bureau, Okayama Visitors & Convention Association, Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sapporo Convention Bureau.
Last year, Japan was ranked number 1 by ICCA for hosting the most number of international meetings among Asian countries. Susan Ong, Deputy Director of JNTO Singapore remarked, “This strong footing is a reason why roadshows like this continue to be crucial for the destination to uphold its top position as a MICE destination and to continue promoting Japan’s unique venues and experiences.”
She added, “The team was excited to introduce and deliver relevant information of convention venues and attractions in Japan, especially in our seven upcoming cities, which have well equipped facilities to offer the Singapore market. We hope to not only increase awareness of our new venues and upcoming destinations, but to also attract more bids to host international conferences.”
The importance of the associations segment to Japan’s 20 million visitor arrival target by year 2020, its potential to economic benefit generation, growth and impact on industrial innovation and cultural legacy, coupled with TTG Events’ strength in engaging key decision makers and influencers in the associations industry, has made this roadshow a win-win collaboration.
Elaborated Ong, “The significance of the associations industry to Japan cannot be understated. The country has one of the largest national memberships within many international associations and a strong tradition of hosting international association meetings. Japan has also been a leading force for research and development in many industries ranging from engineering, pharmaceuticals to robotics, with a strong academic community and 22 Nobel Prize wins in physics, chemistry and medicine.”
“Building on last years’ inaugural success with TTG Events, we are confident that TTG Event’s extensive industry network will enable us to forward our objectives for the second year running.”
For more information about Japan National Tourism Organization, log on to www.japanemeetings.org
For more information about TTG Events, log on to www.itcmevents.com | www.corporatetravelworld.com
