As a result of these efforts dedicated to attracting MICE, Japan was appointed in September to host large international conventions, including the “23rd World Congress on Neurology” (7,000 participants scheduled) in 2017, the “11th International Water Association World Water Conference” (6,000 participants scheduled) in 2018 and the “22nd International Union of Nutritional Sciences” (4,500 participants scheduled) in 2021.

## 5 Consolidating the Tourism Industry and Developing Human Resources

## (1) Consolidating the tourism industry

Following a recommendation by the “Tourism Industry Policy Review Panel” compiled in April 2013, the “Travel Industry Study Group” met with experts to probe into the future concept of the tourism industry responsive to the emergence of overseas online travel agents (OTAs) and a growing volume of Internet-based deals, review the standard from travel agent contract to catch up with evolving changes in the travel trade environment, such as the rise of new tourism nations and so on.

## (2) Developing human resources in the tourism industry

Making local tourism attractive requires the lodging industry, the core of local tourism, to maintain and even boost its vitality. To this end, ambitious local and neighboring colleges worked in accord to implement a human resources development program on the young and would-be proprietors and hotels and Japanese inns to foster human resources with high managerial capabilities.

In addition, an internship model project was carried out for college students with help from tourism-related bodies and enterprises to help them develop a better understanding of the tourism industry and brew a sense of employment in it.

## (3) Assuring pleasure trip safety

In the wake of an express tour bus accident on Kan-Etsu Expressway and a distress accident near the Great Wall of China that happened in 2012, and other relevant issues, the concept of organized safety management in the travel trade has been explored.

Further, approaches have been taken to ensure enhanced safety on the basis of the “Expressway and Chartered Bus Safety and Security Recovery Plan” worked out to reflect the results of discussions at a review panel held in response to the Kan-Etsu Expressway express tour bus accident.

## 6 Developing Attractive Tourism Area

## (1) Developing attractive tourism areas with high international competitiveness

The development of “Tourism Zones” readied for the stay-and-exchange type of tourism has been promoted pursuant to the “Act on Promotion of Tourists’ Visit and Stay Through Development of Tourism Areas (Tourism Zones Development Act)” to create special-interest tourism areas with exceptional charms to appeal both at home and abroad. In FY2013, six Tourism Zones were designated, including one located in Furano and Bihoro.

In addition, local branding strategies were formulated for these six tourism areas and the implementation of “Tourism Area Branding Support Projects” consistent with these strategies was supported.

As for the “Practical Planning for Tourist Area Development” program, which puts government-controlled projects and measures into action to provide general support to approaches to tourism-driven community development, the Yatsugatake Tourism Zone was accredited in FY2013 as part of governmental support in the development, etc. of social capitals relevant to the accelerated construction of Tourism Zones. Moreover, a liaison conference was held in each Tourist Zone among the stakeholders concerned with tourism and the development of social capitals. By March 2014, field surveys had been conducted in 19 Tourism Zones (including those accredited in accordance with the Basic Policy on the Development of Tourism Zones before amendment).