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.
