Tourism
EXPO Japan2023
Forum Report
Keynote Speech
The 6th TEJ Ministerial Round Table
October 26, Thursday, 2023
INTEX OSAKA, International Conference Hall

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Tourism EXPO Japan 2023
Forum ReportC O N T E N T S
Theme of TEJ 2023

Open the Door to the Future

Keynote SpeechSpeaker: Mr. Masaru Ishikawa
EXPO Site Operation Producer
Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition

4

The 6th TEJ Ministerial Round Table
Speakers: 14
Tourism Ministers/Secretaries from 9 countries	Chief Executives from leading international tourismorganizations

8※ Panelists' affiliations and titles are indicated as at the time the Forum was conducted.

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Oct. 26, (Thu) 13:15-13:45
INTEX OSAKA, International Conference Hall

Keynote Speech

Creating an EXPO of thenew era together

Mr. Masaru Ishikawa
EXPO Site Operation Producer
Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition

EXPO. At the 1994 BIE (Bureau Internationaldes Expositions) general assembly, a new vision for the World EXPO was adopted, withthe idea of making it a place to solve global issues. Starting with Aichi EXPO in 2005, organizers began to develop themes andthemed projects. In addition to these projects,the Osaka, Kansai EXPO is also working on
Expo DX, Future Society Showcase Project,
theme weeks, and more. I hope that the success of this EXPO will set a new standard for

An exposition was held in Osaka 120 years
ago. This was the 5th National Industrial Exhibition. Automobiles, which were rare at thetime, were on display. Now some 120 years
later, the World EXPO will be held in thesame Osaka area, where “flying cars” will beunveiled.
Today, I will begin with the birth of theWorld EXPO, the first of which was held in
London in 1851. In the 20th century, manycompanies began to participate in the World
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Keynote Speech

three years earlier, as a point of reference. After the Exposition, the Tsutenkaku Tower wasbuilt on the model of the Triumphal Archwith the Eiffel Tower on top. Luna Park wasbuilt around it.
Between the two World Wars, there was noWorld's EXPO held for a while, but in the1960s a major World's Fair was finally held in
the United States -- the 1964 New YorkWorld's Fair. Although it was not an official
BIE-registered fair, there were significant
changes. Participation of companies in expositions has greatly increased. Disneyland's “It'sa Small World” attraction first unveiled to thepublic at this World's Fair. Big corporations
such as IBM, Ford and Kodak created largescale pavilions that showed a bright future.
The Japan World Exposition, Osaka 1970
(EXPO 70) was modeled after the New YorkWorld Fair. The most talked about topic wasthe “Moon Rock.” While working on theOsaka, Kansai EXPO, I often hear that leaders of today’s society say that EXPO 70 was ahuge event for them. We often hear people
say, “I want to pass on these things to the nextgeneration. That's why I support the Osaka,
Kansai EXPO.” Many companies exhibited
their technology at the EXPO. At the time,
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (nowNTT) exhibited mobile phones, Sanyo exhibited a human washing machine, and Fujipan
exhibited robots.

a new generation of EXPOs.
EXPOs are ‘Mirrors of the Times’
EXPOs are said to be “mirrors of thetimes.'' Here is a brief introduction to the 1851
London Great Exhibition: stone and brickarchitecture was the mainstream in London
in the 19th century, but a huge structure
made of iron and glass, called the Crystal
Palace, was built. This was a major innovation in architecture. Innovation in products
also occurred, from limited distribution tomass production due to the Industrial Revolution, to diversification and mass consumption due to colonial policies. In tourism, thetravel industry flourished through the experience of going to the Great Exhibition.
Since the London Great Exhibition, WorldEXPOs have been held in major cities aroundthe world such as Paris and New York. One
event that is particularly closely related to Japan is the Vienna World's Fair of 1873. The
Meiji Government officially participated forthe first time, and the Iwakura Mission also
made an inspection tour. The Japan Pavilion
exhibited symbols of Japanese culture such as
torii gates, Nagoya Castle's golden grampus
roof ornaments, and ukiyo-e prints, which
created a Japonesque boom in Europe.
Four years later in 1903, the Fifth National
Industrial Exhibition was held in Japan, forthe first time at Tennoji Park in Osaka. Michio Doi, who served as president of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry for
22 years. It is said that Doi and his colleagues
took the Paris International Exposition, held

Transforming into a Place to Show the‘Path to Solutions’That is the history of the EXPO up to to501_報告書英語版2023_0118.indd 52024/01/18 13:37

day. The first generation (beginning with theLondon Great Exhibition of 1851) saw a seriesof major exhibitions held in large cities. In the1960s, in the second generation of major EXPOs was finally held in the U.S. and Osaka.
In the third generation, which followed theBIE general assembly in 1994, the role of theEXPOs changed significantly. The first generation's World EXPO represented “nationalprosperity,” the second generation “affluentlifestyles,” and the third “paths to solve problems.” The first two were about achievement,
but the third generation is about startingpoints.
One of the first World EXPOs of the third
generation was the Aichi EXPO, which focused on the environment. The most popularexhibit was the mammoth that emerged fromthe melting permafrost in Siberia due to global warming. Other features included a systemthat generates electricity from food waste
gathered at the venue, a hybrid transportation
system that had an autonomous operation, afuel-battery hybrid bus using hydrogen, and alinear motor car. They have also introduced
admission tickets using IC chips. Robots autonomously cleaned up after visitors left, including an android robot that spoke in four
languages and a dinosaur-shaped entertainment robot. While these futuristic technologies were on display, the technology was still
under-used in terms of operations at theEXPO. The main arteries in front of the EXPO's gates and throughout the venue werecrowded with people, and some stayed up allnight in front of the gates to get numberedtickets to popular pavilions.

Osaka, Kansai EXPO’s Challenges
At the Osaka, Kansai EXPO, we hope touse “Expo DX,'” new technology to reducethe burden on visitors and to make the EXPO
more comfortable and enjoyable. One specificinitiative is the introduction of electronic admission tickets. We have created a series ofsystems for admission and pavilion reservations. The electronic ticketing system canhelp eliminate the congestion in front of thegates. For visitors, if the day they want to go isbusy, they can choose another day. For management, knowing the number of visitors inadvance will enable more efficient operations.
Pavilion reservations can be made by leaving
the waiting to a machine, allowing visitors togo eat or see an event while they wait.
The Dubai EXPO was held just before ours.
When I attended it, and saw that all the pavilions were wonderful, large in scale, and filledwith beautiful designs. A 60,000 square-meter fairground was being constructed nearthe gate. The pavilions and the fairgroundwere used for a “theme week” of 10 global
themes, and events were held throughout theEXPO for everyone to think about thethemes of the week. This initiative has neverbeen done at previous World EXPOs, but I
felt that it was a very advanced approach for a
World EXPO that aims to solve problems.
We will continue to build on the achievements of Dubai, further develop them, andpass the baton to the next World EXPO. We
have already announced the themes for thetheme weeks at the Osaka, Kansai EXPO.
Next, I would like to introduce the "Future
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Keynote Speechcling factory will serve as a facility to recycle
CO2 by absorbing it from the atmosphere. We
also plan to use Perovskite solar cells on theroof of the bus terminal within the venue.
Furthermore, with the participation of financial companies, the entire venue will be completely cashless.

Society Showcase Project." The EXPO will
have a three-tiered structure. The lowest is
public works, which includes developing thevenue. Above that are revenue-generatingprojects. This is the part that uses the revenue
from admission fees to provide safety and security to visitors, and conducts activities suchas PR. Since there is a limit to the revenue
generated from admission fees, this part ofthe plan is extremely restrictive. However,everyone's expectations for the EXPO are extremely high. The third tier of participating
projects will help meet these expectations.
Overseas and corporate pavilions, events andthemed projects are what make the EXPO soattractive. At this EXPO, we will introduce
the “Future Society Showcase Project.” Weare inviting companies to participate in theoperation of the EXPO and providing services. This is a business scheme that aims to create a win-win effect in which the introductionof a company's technology and services will
increase visitor satisfaction while gaining PRbenefits.
One of the best examples is the VirtualEXPO, a combination of real and virtual experiences that allows visitors who cannot visit
the EXPO can experience the message of theEXPO. We have also announced flying cars,
self-driving EV buses, and hydrogen boats.
We will also introduce personal agents. Thisis a system that provides services and recommendations tailored to each visitor. Initiatives
are planned to showcase future cities thathave simultaneous interpretation systems
where Society 5.0 is realized. A carbon-recy-Seeing the EXPO Lasts a Day,
Participating in the EXPO Lasts a Lifetime
Earlier, I introduced the 1900 Paris EXPO.
Earlier at the 1867 Paris EXPO, Japan – Edo
Shogunate -- participated for the first time.
There, Eiichi Shibusawa, who participated ina mission from the shogunate, saw advanced
Western technology and brought it back toJapan, which greatly contributed to Japan'smodernization.
When people ask me, “What is the legacyof the EXPO?” I always answer “It's the people.” I mentioned earlier that people who saw
the 1970 Osaka EXPO as children are now
among the leaders of society and are supporting the upcoming EXPO. If, 50 years fromnow, we hear people say, “I am now working
for an international organization, or startinga carbon-free investment, or starting a local
event because of the Osaka, Kansai EXPO,”
then we will have realized the value of theEXPO.
“Seeing the EXPO lasts a day; participatingin the EXPO lasts a lifetime.” I hope that you
will be able to take part in the EXPO and create one that will go down in history, andmake it worthwhile for us to have done it.

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Oct. 26, (Thu) 14:20-16:20
INTEX OSAKA, International Conference Hall

The 6th TEJ Ministerial Round Table
Rethinking Tourism for a Better Future

Keywords: sustainability and community

Tourism leaders from nine countries and five international
tourism organizations exchanged opinions
The 6th TEJ Ministerial Round Table was attended by total 14 representatives including Tourism Ministers
and tourism administration leaders from nine countries and five executives from international tourism
organizations. Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) madean opening remarks. From Japan, Mr. Ryusho Kato, Parliamentary Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism participated as a panelist.
Collaboration

Moderator

Opening Remarks

Inspiring Models and Insights for Better-Harnessing Power of Tourism
Ms. Marjorie Dewey

Platforms to Assess SDGs Engagement of Tourism Activities
Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic

President
Connect Worldwide Japan Co., Ltd.

Executive Director
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

Tourism has enormous potential to spur
economic growth, build communities, foster
cultural understanding and bring joy anddiscoveries to travelers. The panel shared theirefforts in harnessing the power of tourism while addressing pressing
issues such as sustainability, impact on communities, over-tourism andgenerational changes, as well as their thoughts on how they are shaping
the future of tourism. We hope that the insights gained from the session
will be useful for businesses and organizations of the audience.

The travel industry has witnessed a strong recovery fromthe pandemic’s impact. However, the emphasis of postpandemic development should not be the increase in
numbers but enhancing the quality of the travel sector.
UNWTO, in collaboration with other government leaders and organizations, has developed
tools and platforms to assess the SDGs engagement of tourism activities. These tools
evaluate inclusiveness, resilience, and economic diversification. Both private sector and thegovernment should leverage these tools. Education, investment, and innovation is essential
to the evolution of the new travel industry. UNWTO will remain supportive of these efforts.

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The 6th TEJ Ministerial Round Table

Panelists
Prioritizing Responsible Tourism for the Mutual Benefit of the Industry
Ms. Tutiaty Abdul Wahab

Efforts Made by Thailand amid and after Pandemic
H.E. Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Primary
Resources and Tourism, Brunei Darussalam

Minister of Tourism and Sports
Kingdom of Thailand

In the post-Covid tourism, Brunei, with abundant
travel resources including wildlife and lush rainforests,and rich cultural heritage, is committed to theenvironmental sustainability and the preservation ofcultural heritage. A new platform Tourism Industry Roadmap is introduced toserve as a guideline in developing Brunei into a peaceful and tranquil travel
destination. The collaboration between the public and private sectors, local
communities’ engagement, and the promotion of responsible tourism, areessential to distribute the benefits of growth across all the sectors of the industry.

The latest pandemic gave us an opportunity torethink tourism for a better future. Amid thepandemic, Thailand remained open to inboundtourists while other countries in lockdown. Afterthe pandemic, we drove the nation’s recovery through tourism agendas,
focusing on safety, security and environment challenges and its BioCircular-Green Economy Model in line with SDGs. We also promote a market
strategy plan to pursue sustainable tourism, raise our tourism standards
through a new tourism ecosystem, and enhance our competitiveness.

Tourism Opens Minds, Benefits Communities and Spurs Technological Advancement
Mr. Roshan M. Thomas

Enhancing Tourism for Economic Growth and Heritage Preservation for Future
Mr. Umid R. Shadiev

Director, Ministry of Tourism,Government of India, Republic of India

Chairman, Tourism Committee, Republic of Uzbekistan(Substitute: H.E. Mr. Mukhsinkhuja ABDURAKHMONOV
Ambassador, Republic of Uzbekistan)

Tourism is a key feature in the economic
strategy of India and it has multiple benefits tothe communities. Especially, the impact oftourism on microeconomy is immense as
seen in examples of slum tourism and agriculture tourism. India isalso promoting remote and metaverse technologies that allow people
to experience the joy of travels without physically moving from one
place to another. Tourism opens minds and offers new ways ofmeeting people, which will help the world inch closer to peace.

Tourism industry is a strategic sector for Uzbekistan,growing its economy and creating new jobs. The sector isalso an important tool for enhancing international
cooperation, cultural exchange, and the well-being as well as strengthening
humanitarian ties in the society. Meanwhile, we have responsibility for how the sector
will interact with environment and sustainable development amid its rapid growth,
attracting inbound tourists by improving tourism quality. At the same time, it is crucial
to restore and preserve tangible and intangible heritages for our future generations.

Offering Serenity, Sustainability and Spirituality through Post-Pandemic Tourism
H.E. Dr. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno

Enhancing Sustainability and Resilience of Tourism Industry
Mr. Kato Ryusho

Minister of Tourism & Creative Economy /Head of the Tourism & Creative Economy Agency
Republic of Indonesia

Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, JAPAN

Indonesian tourism industry, both inbound anddomestic, has been recovering at a rapid pace. The
growth of domestic travels is even stronger than thepre-pandemic levels. In the post-pandemic era, people are seeking serenity,
sustainability and spirituality in tourism and placing more importance onexperiences and personalized elements in travels. At the same time, regenerative
tourism is gaining momentum. We aim to capture growing opportunities intourism with greater emphasis on the quality, safety and experiences throughinnovative initiatives, strategic adaptations and fruitful collaborations.

Japan’s tourism industry is recovering
steadily amid prolonged impact from thepandemic. Tourism is a pillar for its growth anda key for its regional revitalization. Japanenhances attractiveness and profitability of individual regions to makethe industry and tourist destinations sustainable by adding high value
to them. Meanwhile, tourism is vulnerable to infective diseases like
COVID-19 and disasters. We will hold an international conference
next year in cooperation with the UNWTO to share knowledge anddiscuss measures for promoting the resilience of the industry.

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism for Recovery and Resilience for Future
Datuk Mohd Zamri bin Mat Zain (Mr.)

Reviving Tourism Industry Post-Pandemic: Sustainability and Local Collaboration
Ms. Ivana Jelinic

Deputy Secretary-General
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia

CEO, ENIT - Italian State Tourism Board, Italian Republic

Italy is reviving its post-pandemic tourism industry byinvesting in digital transformation, marketing campaigns,
and financial support programs. Sustainability is a keyfocus, with eco-friendly practices and public
transportation promoted. Collaboration with local
authorities supports infrastructure development and promotes lesser-known regions
to reduce overcrowding and stimulate economic growth. The government invests intraining tourism professionals, improving transportation infrastructure, and enhancing
connectivity to boost tourism recovery. Italy can enhance its tourist appeal by catering
to changing traveler needs, promoting responsible tourism and fostering collaboration.

Malaysia promotes its tourism aligned with
the SDGs and agendas in its three pillars ofcompetitiveness, inclusiveness, and sustainability. We
practice sustainable and responsible tourism forrecovery and resilience to encourage innovative development and response to new
trends, focusing on specific segments and medical and wellness packages to addhigh spending tourists. We also identify nature-based products, open air activities,
and rural tourism will continue to drive innovation. We have a good model, the Miso
Walai Homestay, offering such experiences as well as generates economic impact.

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Panelists
WTTC is Driving Tourism Recovery and Resilience Post-Pandemic
Ms. Maribel Rodriguez

Gauge the Health of Destinations as a Measure of SuccessMr. Shannon Stowell

Senior Vice President
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)CEO, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)

After going through the COVID-19
pandemic, leisure travel has quickly comeback, and so has the problem of over-tourism.
We still face other issues such as climate
impact, environmental degradation, and soon. The tourism industry needs to change its philosophy and shiftfocus from attracting more travelers to controlling the tourism tomaintain the health of destinations. We need to develop a set ofmeasurements to gauge the health of travel and tourism throughthe collaboration of governments, business communities and NGOs.

Japan and the Asia Pacific region are experiencing
recovery, with 11% of the growth of Japanese GDP
contribution to travel and tourism. Global growth remains
steady, creating employment opportunities and $15.5
trillion in revenue in the next ten years. WTTC has significantly aided the tourism
sector's recovery by fostering confidence, sharing information, addressing challenges,
advocating for sector interest, and monitoring consumer trends. During the COVID-19
pandemic, our commitment to sustainability ensures responsible development,
preservation of natural resources, and a more resilient future for the sector.

Summary

ETC's Sustainable Tourism Strategy: A Path to a Greener Future
Mr. Eduardo Santander

Ms. Marjorie DeweyExecutive Director
European Travel Commission (ETC)

President
Connect Worldwide Japan Co., Ltd.

ETC is shifting from a market-driven approach to asustainable tourism growth strategy. This shift aims torevitalize natural environments, cultural heritage, andtraditional practices. Stakeholders such aspolicymakers, NTOs, tourism operators, local communities, SMEs, and visitors are
all involved in this process. ETC unveils Climate Action Plan, committed to reducing
annual Green House Gas emissions and providing guidance on creating a net-zeroroadmap through the Chapter Earth working group. Digital transition and making
tourism an attractive industry are also key challenges for sustainable growth.

Today's panelists, all experts in thetourism industry, shared informative andvaluable opinions. They spoke about how
they survived the pandemic and how torethink tourism for the future, from the perspective of theirrespective countries and organizations. I really appreciate
their efforts.

Develop a Broad Tourism Product mix to remain competitive
H.E. Ms. Philda Nani Kereng
Minister of Environment, Natural Resources
Conservation & Tourism, Republic of Botswana(Substitute: H.E. Major General (Ret.) GotsileeneMORAKE, Ambassador, Republic of Botswana)

Tourism is a great value proposition andsource of income to Botswana as in other
Southern African countries. In Botswana, the tourism industry is increasing
its share of GDP from 6.3% in 2000 to 13.1% in 2019. The government isstepping up its efforts in developing a broad tourism product mix to remaincompetitive as a destination. To rethink tourism for a better future,developing consistent and harmonized protocols with decisions driven bydata and made on a multilateral basis will be necessary.

Harnessing the Power of Tourism to Be Responsible and Sustainable
Mr. Benjamin Liao
Vice Chair, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)PATA forecasts the number of international
tourists returning to the pre-pandemic level in 2024
and exceeding by 2025. Global labor shortage andprice-value adjustments would also impact tourism
today. The international community needs to harness
the power of tourism to fulfill its responsibility for sustainable tourism. PATA
supports cross-regional dialogue and collaboration to promote initiatives, suchas developing tools to reduce single use plastic under the TDR (TourismDestination Resilience) program and supporting tourism in Thailand moving
toward sustainability through a business-led supply chain approach.

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Tourism EXPO Japan 2023
Forum Report
Issued by: Tourism EXPO Japan Promotion Office
Designed and Printed by: REGION Inc.
Tourism EXPO Japan Promotion OfficeZen-Nittsu Kasumigaseki Bldg.
3-3 Kasumigaseki 3-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0013, Japan
Phone: 81-3-5510-2004
E-mail: event@t-expo.jp
https://t-expo.jp/en/Copyright (C) 2023 Tourism EXPO Japan Promotion Office All rights reserved.
December 2023

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Tourism
EXPO Japan2023
Forum Report
Keynote Speech
The 6th TEJ Ministerial Round Table
October 26, Thursday, 2023
INTEX OSAKA, International Conference Hall

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