2020 Olympics in sight for JNTO Sydney’s new Executive Director

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Sydney Office has welcomed a new Executive Director to its team, with Ms Mariko Tatsumi taking over from former Executive Director Mr Hiroshi Kuwamoto.

Ms Tatsumi, who hails from JNTO’s head office in Japan, has moved from Tokyo to Australia to take up what is her second overseas posting.

Ms Tatsumi said she is delighted to be promoting her country to the Australian market as Mr Kuwamoto’s successor: “I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to show Australians what a fantastic destination Japan is.”

“Over the past years, JNTO Sydney office has received the cooperation and support of the travel industry and media in promoting Japan. 2014 saw a record number of Australians visit Japan (302,656, a 24% increase from 2013). This will undoubtedly increase in the coming years as more and more Australians discover what makes Japan extraordinary. The lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is a particularly exciting time,” she said.

“The ski and cherry blossom seasons are the most popular times to visit Japan, but I would like Australians to also experience other aspects of Japan such as the autumn leaves, outdoor activities and summer festivals. During my time in Australia, I intend to continue the various advertising and media projects, seminars and other marketing activities that JNTO Sydney has been focusing on,” explained Ms Tatsumi.