The Kyushu Tourism Connect trade and media event in Sydney brought together 25 Aussie travel trade and media representatives to showcase regional Japan and created a valuable platform to strengthen ties between Kyushu and the Australian market.
Led by the Kyushu Tourism Organization, the delegation highlighted the island’s diverse tourism offering. In total, 122 pre-scheduled meetings took place between Kyushu suppliers and Australian attendees, underscoring strong interest in the destination and its growing appeal for Australian travellers.
Kyushu Tourism Organization western markets division director Toru Takeda said the event demonstrated Kyushu’s commitment to building deeper engagement in Australia.
“Australia is an important growth market for Kyushu, and the strong turnout and high number of meetings at Kyushu Tourism Connect reflect the enthusiasm for our region,” Takeda said. “From world-class rail journeys to unique cultural and natural experiences, Kyushu offers something truly distinctive for Australian travellers.”
Joining Takeda at the event were Yuriko Araki, manager, Kyushu Tourism Organisation, and Simon Metcalfe, manager, Kyushu Tourism Organisation, who supported supplier engagement and market development initiatives.
The delegation featured a wide range of tourism operators and organisations, including:
Amami Tours
Fukuoka International Airport Co., Ltd.
Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association
Hakata Nakagawa Riverfront City Planning Association
Hyuga Higashi-usuki Tourism Organization LLC
Japan Travel Trade Portal & Goto Islands
JR Kyushu Private Travel Service
Karatsu City
Kirishima Local Guide
Kumamoto Prefectural Tourist Federation
Kyushu Railway Company (JR KYUSHU)
Kyushu Tourism Organisation
Nagasaki Prefecture
OITA Prefecture (OITA Prefecture Tourism Association)
ONE FUKUOKA HOTEL
Otonau Inc. / Hidden Gem Journeys
RINKO ADVENTURE TOURS (Media International Co., Ltd.)
Ryokan Ayu no Sato / Regional DMC
Saga Prefectural Cultural Tourism Federation
SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima
Tara-cho Tourism Association
The event showcased Kyushu’s growing readiness to welcome international visitors, with a focus on authentic regional experiences, premium travel and improved accessibility.
With strong participation from both suppliers and buyers, Kyushu Tourism Connect reinforces the destination’s strategic push to increase visitation from Australia and position Kyushu as a must-visit region within Japan.
The event was followed by a networking event held at Events by Alpha, offering all participants an immersive experience exploring the sound, flavour and story of Kyushu, across its seven distinct prefectures.
Kyushu Tourism Connect in Sydney.
AloJapan.com