Star Alliance Supporting Japan's Efforts to Promote Tourism from Overseas

The chief executives of Star Alliance today announced their support of the "Yokoso Japan" (Welcome to Japan) campaign with the development of the Star Alliance Visit Japan Campaign 2004. The "Yokoso Japan" campaign was introduced recently by the Japanese government to increase tourism from overseas

ANA (All Nippon Airways) President and CEO Yoji Ohashi said during a meeting of Star Alliance chief executives in Tokyo: "For many years, millions of Japanese tourists have traveled overseas, while the number of foreign visitors to Japan has been relatively small by comparison.

"The Japanese Government has made the decision to be more aggressive in attracting overseas visitors by promoting Japan as a value destination for sophisticated travelers with a wide variety of interests. The Star Alliance is pleased to support this effort on a global basis, and we at ANA, as Japan's leading airline, are proud to be a part of it."

The initiatives developed by Star Alliance include: a Star Alliance Visit Japan fare from overseas; a Visit Japan Pass for domestic flights for travelers arriving in Japan on Star Alliance carriers; a special frequent flyer bonus miles offer for a limited period in 2004; and a program designed to assist tour wholesalers in developing new Japan packages.

Star Allinace said that more detailed information on the campaign will be provided closer to the April 2004 launch date.

In 2001, 4.8 million foreigners visited Japan, making it 35th in the world in the number of overseas visitors. The goal of the "Yokoso Japan" campaign, which is being supported by a promotional budget of JPY2 billion ($18 million) from the Japanese government in the fiscal year ending March 2004, is to increase the number of overseas visitors to Japan to 10 million by 2010.

"The scope and breadth of this international program is something that only Star Alliance - the largest and most integrated global network - can offer Japan," said United Airlines chairman, president and chief executive officer Glenn Tilton. "United is proud to have worked with ANA and the other Star Alliance carriers in the development of this initiative, which will bring many new visitors to Japan."