2025.05.22

Osaka University of Tourism Selected for JTA’s Regional Tourism Development Model Project in Wakayama

Osaka University of Tourism has been selected as a consortium member for the Regional Issue-Oriented Tourism Development – Wakayama Model Study and Planning Project, which has been adopted under the Japan Tourism Agency’s FY2025 “Second Hometown Creation Project (Pioneering Model Cases)” initiative.

The project is led by Nagomi Co., Ltd. and carried out by a consortium that includes Osaka University of Tourism, the Japan Tourism Platform for Sustainable Human Resources Development (a general incorporated association), and Club Tourism International Inc. The consortium will also collaborate with a wide range of partners, including Wakayama Prefecture, Wakayama City, Pasona JOBHUB, Implijon Inc., and Otetsutabi, among others.

This initiative aims to strengthen long-term ties between people and local communities, thereby revitalizing local economies and enhancing the sustainability of tourism through the concept of “related populations”—people with ongoing, non-residential connections to a region. The project focuses on addressing regional challenges such as revitalizing vacant houses and supporting local railways by utilizing the labor and engagement of these related populations to develop new tourism content.

The BENIYA Revitalization Project (Nagomi Co., Ltd.)

As part of this effort, Osaka University of Tourism will pursue an innovative project that promotes youth employment in regional areas. This includes matching tourism students with local communities and conducting monitoring activities by international students, to create new tourism destinations.

Translated and edited by: Zili XUE