Australian-based full-service tourism representation agency, Linkd Tourism, has been appointed by Ishikawa Prefecture to provide seasonal PR representation in Australia and New Zealand. This marks the first step into the Australasian market for the region.
The agency will position Ishikawa Prefecture and its capital city, Kanazawa, as an opportunity to see the ‘real’ Japan year-round, as part of an alternative Golden route between Tokyo and Kyoto, or as an add-on to a ski holiday in neighbouring Nagano Prefecture.
With international visitor room nights totalling 606,000 each year, Ishikawa is located on Japan’s central western coastline of Honshu, the main island, and is characterised by its peaceful, historic atmosphere; traditional culture; natural beauty; hot springs and local cuisine. Away from the tourist trail, the region is easily accessible with a direct 2-hour 30-minute Shinkansen bullet train service from Tokyo or flights to its regional airport (Komatsu) operating from Hokkaido, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita.
Of the appointment, Kylee Kay, Managing Director of Linkd Tourism, commented “At a time when Japan is experiencing a significant increase in interest and visitation from our market, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the story of Ishikawa, which is still very much untold. As flights to Japan are becoming more frequent and affordable, Ishikawa has a huge potential for growth due to its accessibility to key cities and ski resorts, addition of hotel inventory and its ability to offer travellers an insight into the history and culture of authentic Japan without the crowds.”
Ishikawa Prefecture will launch into the Australia and New Zealand market with a sales mission in December which will take place alongside the JNTO Roadshow and Matsuri Japan Festival in Sydney and will also encompass Auckland and Brisbane.
IMAGE: Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa
