On 13 September, the Gifu Prefectural Government hosted the Gifu Prefecture Tourism Promotion Seminar and the Gifu Prefecture Tourism, Food and Local Product Promotion Reception in Sydney. The Prefectural Government held the two events with the aim of further increasing the number of overnight visitors from Australia to Gifu, which has already seen a tenfold increase over the past nine years, as well as boosting the sales of local products from Gifu.
The Tourism Seminar was held with local travel agencies and media representatives in attendance. Seminar participants were able to find out more about the wide variety of attractions in Gifu Prefecture through dialogue with Australians who have had the experience of travelling extensively through Gifu and a presentation by a Coordinator for International Relations from the Gifu Prefectural Government. These attractions include the Historic Village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the various festivals listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, historic streets, castles, hot springs, traditional crafts and cycling routes amongst others. At the Reception, many representatives from the tourism and media industries, as well as representatives from the government sector in Australia, the Australia Japan Society, restaurants, and wholesalers were also in attendance.
At the Reception there were tastings of Hida beef, one of Japan’s top wagyu brands, and sweetfish, which can only be found in clear river streams. There was also a presentation on Mino washi, the traditional Japanese paper which will be used to produce the certificates of merit for competitors in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, and performances of Gifu Ji-Kabuki (local Kabuki). Seminar participants were able to thoroughly enjoy the varied appeals of the tourism, food, and goods from Gifu Prefecture.
Before and after these events, the Governor of Gifu Prefecture Mr FURUTA Hajime conducted promotional activities in Melbourne to expand the sales of Hida beef in Melbourne, and promotional activities in Sydney to expand the sales of Hida beef, sweetfish and other local products from Gifu. Governor Furuta also met with the Australian Minister for Agriculture, Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie in Canberra as a part of these promotional activities.
CLAIR Sydney assisted with preparations for the Gifu Prefectural Government’s visit to Australia, in response to an activity support request from the Gifu Prefectural Government. Our office will continue to support the proactive activities of the Gifu Prefectural Government to promote tourism, food and local products.
