JATA Tabihaku Travel Showcase 2013 to Take Place 12-15 September

Japan's largest travel fair, the JATA Tabihaku Travel Showcase 2013 will take place 12-15 September 2013 at the Tokyo Big Sight.

The event, which will have its largest ever floor space - with an increase of 33.75% over 2012 - focuses not only on promoting outbound travel but also in encompassing inbound and domestic travel.

The event will consist of the following four functions:

(1) the Travel Showcase;

(2) International Tourism Forum, where industry experts will discuss the development of the tourism industry;

(3) International Business Meetings for inbound and outbound sellers and buyers from all over the world and Japan to network and generate new business; and

(4)Commendation Awards, given to companies, organizations and individuals with outstanding contributions, promotions and achievements in the travel industry in Japan.

In 2012 [See: HD Videos from JATA 2012], the JATA Tabihaku welcomed some 708 companies and organizations from some 156 countries and regions, generating a total of 125,989 visitors, an all-time high record.

With the event expanding from three to four halls and growing from 25,690 sq. meters in 2012, to a total of 34,360 sq. meters of floor space in 2013 - the largest ever in its history - JATA anticipates the numbers of exhibitors and buyers as well as visitors to surpass those of the previous year.

Major Expansion to Four Halls in the East Hall

In a departure from previous years, where events were in different areas of Big Sight, this year all programs - from formal events, opening ceremonies, the International Business Meetings and Tourism Forum to the Travel Showcase - will be centralized under one roof in the exhibition hall for enhanced cohesiveness.

Asian Market Analysis to Become Main Agenda of Tourism Forum

An Asian Market Analysis, which will look at the tourism markets as well as the political environment in key Asian countries, will be introduced as a fixture of JATA International Tourism Forum from this year and in the years to come. Tourism leaders from various East Asian markets will be invited to this event.

Stepped-up Promotions to Grow Inbound Travel and Build Overall Tourism

This year more than ever before, Tabihaku will expand business opportunities as well as offer more exhibitor booths for inbound tourism. With stepped-up promotions of Face-to-Face meetings with inbound businesses, participants will be able to gain more benefits. This will further build the three sectors of the travel industry: outbound, inbound and domestic.

2013 Featured Attraction: Travel Bazaar Where Travel Will be Sold to Consumers

A special area known as Travel Bazaar will be featured this year where travel products by travel companies will be available for sale on 14 and 15 September in East Hall 6.

See also: HD Videos from JATA 2012.