Tokyo Revealed as Destination for ABTA’s 2019 Travel Convention

ABTA has announced that Tokyo, Japan will be the destination for the 2019 Travel Convention

Tokyo, Japan’s capital, mixes the unique combination of traditional and modern culture, from neon-lit signs and skyscrapers to historic temples that Japan is so well known for.

Japan will be hosting a number of major international sporting events over the coming two years, including the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. The Rugby World Cup will take place throughout Japan during the Travel Convention, providing extra opportunities for ABTA Members to explore Japan’s regions.

The Convention will be from 7 to 9 October 2019 at Prince Hotels & Resorts, Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa, which is directly connected to the International Convention Center Pamir. The business sessions will take place at the Convention Center. All ABTA delegates will stay at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa, which is centrally located in Tokyo with direct access to Haneda International Airport, Shinkansen (Bullet Train) rail lines and only a few minutes’ walk from Shinagawa Station – one of the largest in Tokyo.

The Japanese National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), ANA – All Nippon Airways and Prince Hotels & Resorts will be the host partners for the Convention.

Delegates will be able to travel directly and indirectly to Tokyo from a number of UK airports on services operated by ANA, with direct economy flights starting from £599 and indirect economy flights starting from £449.

The announcement was made today in Seville at the end of a highly successful 2018 Travel Convention. Registrations will open early next year, however as demand is expected to be high, delegates can reserve a place via the Travel Convention website from 9am on Thursday 11 October. This will guarantee the 2018 Early Bird Registration fee and a two week priority booking period with ANA when flight reservations open.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that Tokyo will be hosting the 2019 Travel Convention. With British holidaymakers showing an increasing interest in visiting Japan, the Convention will provide a great opportunity to show travel professionals all that it has to offer – from its incredible cuisine, beautiful landscapes and traditional architecture to its super speed trains and illuminated sky scrapers.

“This will be the first time we host a Convention in Eastern Asia and with a number of exciting events coming up in the next couple of years, now is the perfect time to visit. I’d like to thank all the hosts for making this opportunity possible, and would encourage delegates to reserve a place as soon as they can.”

Satoshi Seino, President of the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), said: “JNTO is honoured that ABTA has selected Tokyo as the host destination for the 2019 Travel Convention. The number of annual visitors from the UK to Japan has more than doubled since 2011, a testament to the appeal of Japanese culture to British people, as well as the diversity of activities available to tourists and the strength of our tourism infrastructure.
“I hope that ABTA delegates will use this as an opportunity to explore the charms of Japan’s regional cities and am confident that your experiences at the convention in Tokyo will advance your success at home.”

Yoshinori Ochi, Director of the Board, Secretary-General, Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) commented: “We at JATA are delighted with the selection of Tokyo as the host of the 2019 Travel Convention of ABTA. As a long-time industry leader in Japan, JATA recognizes ABTA as one of the world’s most successful travel associations. It is a privilege to continue working closely with one of our most valuable partners and further develop our partnership.

“I am honoured to meet the UK’s travel industry leaders in person during the Convention. I would like to encourage you to take this opportunity to meet as many Japanese travel industry representatives as time would allow and strengthen your business network in Japan while experiencing Japanese culture, cuisine, nature and hospitality during a time of year which is said to be rivalled only by the cherry blossom season.

“The Convention will be an excellent opportunity for both the UK and Japan to search for and find ways to sustainably increase the number of exchange visitors.”

Yuji Hirako, President and CEO of ANA – All Nippon Airways, said: “We are delighted that Tokyo has been chosen to host the 2019 Travel Convention and privileged to continue our partnership with ABTA as the official airline partner. The decision to choose Tokyo for the event is a testament to the ever-growing spotlight shining on Japan, as the nation continues to set trends and prepares to host major sporting events.

“There is no better time to connect with Japanese culture and, as Japan’s largest five star airline, we are looking forward to welcoming the UK’s travel industry leaders to our home – just as we look to create treasured memories for all our guests – and to celebrating the great importance of the UK tourism market to ANA.”

Mr Masahiko Koyama, CEO of Prince Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted that ABTA has chosen Tokyo for the 2019 Travel Convention and look forward to welcoming UK tourism professionals to the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa.

“As a native brand with 43 hotels across Japan, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our genuine hospitality, culinary prowess and to being an authentic gateway to Tokyo and beyond, especially with the Rugby World Cup also taking place next year and the Olympics in 2020.”

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