GCC Travel to Japan Bounces Back Fast | Japan Tourism GCC Recovery | ATM 2026 | Daisuke Kobayashi
In this interview with Travel And Tour World at ATM 2026, Daisuke KOBAYASHI, Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Dubai office, discusses the recovery of GCC travel demand to Japan and the country's strategy to attract both first-time and repeat visitors. Key highlights: 1. Travel demand from the GCC to Japan was affected by the regional situation in the Middle East, particularly in March and April. 2. The market has been recovering rapidly since May. 3. By July, GCC travel to Japan reached approximately 80% of last year's numbers, showing strong market recovery. 4. Japan differentiates itself from other Asian destinations through its four distinct seasons and 47 local prefectures, each with its own unique charm. 5. A single trip to Japan can combine city life and shopping with nature, traditional culture, and outstanding food. 6. Kobayashi's key message: no matter when you visit, where you go, or how many times you return, you can always find something new in Japan. 7. JNTO's Dubai office has been open for five years, focused on welcoming first-time visitors from across the region described as "Phase One," a new market development period. 8. The next five years mark "Phase Two", an expansion and growth period. 9. Phase Two goals: continue increasing first-time visitors while also encouraging repeat visits from travellers who have already been to Japan. 10. To drive repeat visits, JNTO plans to showcase lesser-known local regions that visitors didn't see on their first trip. 11. The strategy going forward is to promote the attractions of various local regions that are not yet widely known internationally. About Travel And Tour World: Travel And Tour World is a global travel media platform covering travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation, MICE, cruise, and luxury travel, with readership across 195 countries. [JNTO Dubai, Japan tourism GCC, Visit Japan, Japan National Tourism Organization, Japan travel demand, Japan National Tourism Organization Dubai office interview, GCC travelers to Japan recovery 2026, Why visit Japan four seasons 47 prefectures, Daisuke Kobayashi JNTO Dubai interview, Japan tourism growth strategy Middle East, First-time visitors to Japan from GCC region, JNTO Dubai office, Daisuke Kobayashi Executive Director, JNTO GCC market strategy, Japan tourism recovery 2026, GCC outbound travel trends, Japan travel demand Middle East, Repeat visitors to Japan trend, Japan regional tourism development] #VisitJapan #JNTO #JapanTourism #JapanTravel #MiddleEastTourism #TravelAndTourWorld #ExploreJapan