We are greatly pleased to receive notice that the 2021 general assembly of the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS), a global business summit event, will be held in Hokkaido, Japan.
I would like to express my greatest thanks to CEO Shannon Stowell, President Casey Hanisko, and all involved parties for choosing to hold this summit in Japan for the first time and extend a most heartfelt welcome to everyone who will participate.
In October of last year, I chaired the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting organized by Japan in Kutchan, Hokkaido. At that meeting, each participant country agreed on the promotion of contribution to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through tourism and agreed to encourage tourism that both utilizes and protects the unique natural and cultural assets of local areas.
Since adventure travel is highly compatible with sustainable tourism in terms of impact on local economies, harmony with the natural environment, and local communities, I also used the G20 meeting as a chance to promote the holding of the summit in Hokkaido.
The field of tourism faces an unprecedented situation in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Japan is planning to hold the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games next year as proof that the world has overcome this crisis. Also, we are determined to use that momentum to successfully host this summit.
I have visited Hokkaido many times myself. Having seen it with my own eyes, I am thoroughly convinced that Japan's rich natural environment holds the potential to make it a global destination for adventure travel.
With Hokkaido's incredible natural landscape and rich history and culture as a backdrop, this summit presents an opportunity for all of Japan to become a destination for adventure travelers worldwide. The Japanese government will do its utmost to improve its tourist destinations, promoting a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for travelers. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you all to Japan next September.