DUBAI: Japan is “delighted” with the rising interest from Saudi Arabia travelers in the Asia nation’s tourism offerings, according to a leading official on Monday.
Daisuke Kobayashi, executive director of the Japan National Tourism Organization’s office in Dubai, said that JNTO’s first event in Riyadh, titled “FEEL YOUR FOUR SEASONS,” allowed the organization to share the diverse attractions of his country.
“We are honored to have hosted our very first consumer event in Riyadh at such a meaningful time, as we approach the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2025,” he stated in a press release.
The event, which took place on Dec. 6 and 7, provided visitors with an introduction to Japan’s diverse seasonal attractions, including luxury travel experiences available across the Asian country’s regions.
Visitors were treated to two domes that showcased Japan’s spring and autumn landscapes, along with exhibitions introducing delicacies, activities and travel content specific to each season.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh, the event also featured participation from the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, representing Osaka, the host city of Expo 2025.
The event was attended by approximately 2,000 guests, including local consumers, media representatives, and influencers.
According to Kobayashi, in the first half of 2024, there was a 72.2 percent increase in visitors from Saudi Arabia to Japan, compared to the same period in 2023.
He said that Japan offers a variety of “unique experiences” throughout the year including train journeys during the cherry blossom season, and ikebana (flower arrangement) workshops.
There is also forest bathing in “lush green woods during summer, temple stays surrounded by autumn foliage, skiing on pristine powder snow and even drift-ice walking tours in Japan’s northernmost regions during winter.”
