When Koji Shinmachi of Japan speaks, everybody listens

Koji Shinmachi is the well-respected and much-admired chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA). JATA is the biggest, most influential and powerful tourism and travel organization in Japan with over 3,000 active, associate and allied members – pioneers and leaders in their various fields of the industry. So when he speaks, but of course, Japan listens.

During his recent visit to the Philippines – after two years and several invitations – chairman Shinmachi, in a meeting with the officials of the Department of Tourism led by Sec. Roberto Pagdanganan, pledged to grant all-encompassing support that their organization will make the proper representation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Japan to the Philippines’ plea to perhaps lift or possibly downgrade the travel advisory that has regretfully greatly affected the influx of tourists, the arrivals of travelers and the visits of businessmen from the country’s was-second-and-now-third top market.

Noting that the vast majority of travel advisories are issued based only on "perceptions and have nothing to do with reality" the JATA chairman, an outstanding law graduate from the prestigious Keiko University, whose impressive professional career include stints as senior vice president of Japan Airlines and president of JALPAK Company Ltd., observed that "these are not fair for the Philippines." He further declared it was "unfair to tap news reports on safety and security as the major bases for such issuances."

"Japan is an important market for the Philippines," proclaimed Tourism Secretary Pagdanganan. "The JATA’s chairman’s visit is an excellent indication that they are in support of our undertakings in tourism."

In addition to Metro Manila and its environs, the itinerary of the delegation included a trip to the island of Boracay.

Boracay is currently under level 2 in the MOFA-Japan travel advisory, which recommends a thorough evaluation on its safety and security before travel to specified areas. It has remained unchanged since it was issued last year.

"The scheduled trip to Boracay of JATA officials proves the country is safe and is an unmistakable sign of trust on the government’s efforts regarding security," the Tourism secretary added.

In the fruitful meeting, the two leaders were joined by Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab and Undersecretary Evelyn Pantig where they discussed means and ways on how to improve tourism between the two nations.

Highlighting positive developments around the islands and intensified promotion on focused and balanced marketing programs were among the issues discussed.

Japan, are you ready to listen? Koji Shinmachi is all set to speak once again.