Gate 7 expands partnership with Tourism Exchange Japan

Gate 7 has expanded its partnership with Tourism Exchange Japan (TJX) with PR and tourism development appointments for NARITA BEYOND, Discover Niigata, and the Kii Peninsula.

The Sydney-based tourism marketing agency has been appointed as the Australian PR representatives for NARITA BEYOND and Discover Niigata, while broadening its remit for the Kii Peninsula in an expanded capacity to include tourism development representation.

In addition to this retained work, Gate 7 is also working with the three regions on various coop, marketing, media famil, and trade engagement projects.

The appointments come off the back of a record-breaking year for Japanese tourism in 2024, with the country welcoming 36.9 million international visitors. Notably, Australian arrivals reached an all-time high of 920,000, marking a 50.1 per cent increase from 20231. This surge in interest is showing no signs of slowing, and, in May 2025 alone, Australian arrivals jumped 18.7 per cent year on year, a standout result for what’s typically a quieter travel period.

“These destinations offer the kind of experiences that we know Australian travellers love – depth, authenticity, and variety,” Gate 7 founder & managing director, Jo Palmer, said.

“NARITA BEYOND redefines the stopover experience, Discover Niigata delivers rich cultural and natural experiences in every season, and the Kii Peninsula continues to resonate with its spiritual and cultural depth. This expanded partnership with Tourism Exchange Japan reflects our ongoing commitment to showcasing the depth and diversity of regional Japan to the Australian market.”

Gate 7 founder & managing director, Jo Palmer.

Located just outside Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture, the area beyond Narita International Airport invites visitors to step off the beaten path and into a slower, more authentic side of Japan. From the revered Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and charming Omotesando shopping street, to peaceful ryokans and farm-to-table dining, the destination offers a uniquely local taste of Japan – just minutes from NRT’s terminals.

Discover Niigata invites visitors to uncover one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away on Japan’s west coast, Niigata is a hidden gem that rewards travellers who venture beyond the usual routes. In winter, the mountains transform into snow-covered playgrounds, while spring and summer bring vibrant flower fields and lush rice terraces.

Autumn is marked by golden foliage and rice ear ready for harvest, with each season offering something distinct and deeply authentic. The region is also Japan’s leading producer of premium rice and sake, with centuries-old breweries and farm-to-table traditions woven into everyday life.

Gate 7 expands partnership with Tourism Exchange Japan.

“Niigata is now stepping onto a new stage, ready to share its authentic charm with the world – cultivated through centuries of tradition and the natural beauty of a true snow country,” Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association executive vice president, Kenichi Shirai, said.

“As encapsulated by our tagline, ‘Crafted by nature, perfected by time,’ Niigata invites you to discover the beauty of nature through its four distinct seasons, a cherished sake culture handed down through generations, and the warmth and craftsmanship of its people. We hope the experiences and encounters we create together from here on will become lasting memories.”

In addition, Gate 7’s continued relationship with the Kii Peninsula supports tourism development efforts across the three prefectures of Wakayama, Mie and Nara – building on strong Australian market interest and growing momentum off the back of last year’s PR campaign.

Gate 7 expands partnership with Tourism Exchange Japan.

The region is home to Japan’s most sacred pilgrimage trails, UNESCO-listed shrines, and traditional ryokans nestled among forested mountains. With its rich spiritual heritage and slow-travel appeal, the Kii Peninsula is ideal for culturally curious travellers looking to reconnect with nature, tradition, and self.

The appointment of NARITA BEYOND, Discover Niigata, and the Kii Peninsula through Tourism Exchange Japan reflects the growing momentum of regional Japanese destinations engaging with the Australian market. As traveller demand continues to shift toward immersive, experience-led journeys, this strategic partnership between TXJ and Gate 7 further strengthens awareness of Japan’s diverse regional offerings.

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