Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) have welcomed the commencement of the All Nippon Airways (ANA) direct flight service between Tokyo and Perth, with the new route to deliver significant benefits to the accommodation and hospitality industry.

Sunday’s inaugural flight marked the first time since 2011 that a direct service had operated between Japan and Western Australia.

Tourism WA has also announced a coordinated, comprehensive industry training strategy for the Japan market to help tourism operators make the most of the new All Nippon Airlines flights.

At a glance: 

• TAA have welcomed the commencement of the All Nippon Airways (ANA) direct flight service between Tokyo and Perth.
• Sunday’s inaugural flight marked the first time since 2011 that a direct service has operated between Japan and Western Australia.
• Tourism WA has also announced a coordinated, comprehensive industry training strategy for the Japan market.

TAA CEO Michael Johnson said the recommencement of this important route opened up new options for Japanese travellers and would drive greater visitation from one of Australia’s most important markets.

“This new direct flight service is the product of the hard work of the WA State Government, led by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia, combined with the work of Tourism Australia, as well as the long term advocacy of the AHA(WA) and TAA(WA),” Mr Johnson said.

“Perth is now widely known as the Western gateway of Australia. With the enormous investment that has taken place in the state’s accommodation industry in recent years, coupled with Perth Airport’s transformation, WA is extremely well positioned to host a large influx of additional visitors.”

“The Japanese market is an extremely important one for Australia and it is well known that passengers are far more likely to consider a destination if there is access to quick, easy and affordable direct flights.”

“With so much to offer both leisure and corporate travellers, Western Australia can now reap the benefits of a critical new service from a country that has a deep affection for, and interest in, Australia.”

“TAA also strongly commends the investment the State Government has made in delivering accompanying marketing campaigns in Japan to coincide with the commencement of the new ANA service.”

The daily Tokyo to Perth service is expected to bring approximately 76,000 new visitors to Perth and provide a $175.5 million boost to the WA economy.

To ensure industry is equipped to make the most of this opportunity, Tourism WA have developed an industry training strategy in consultation with key industry bodies. The strategy includes two training programs:

Japan Specialist

The specialist program will be run in partnership with the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) and the four leading Japanese travel agents, known as the “Yonshakai”. The ATEC/Yonshakai program, which is endorsed by the Australian Hotels Association (WA) will be for export ready operators who are already operating successfully in the Japan market but want to expand their operations. Places will be limited with nominations to be open shortly. More details will be available on the ATEC website soon.

Japan Fundamental

This will be produced and managed by Tourism Council WA and will focus on introductory level service and marketing opportunities. It will offer an overview of the Japanese market and cover topics such as cultural awareness, translation and food service requirements. More details are available on the Tourism Council website.

Tourism WA Managing Director Brodie Carr said the training strategy would ensure WA’s tourism industry offered the best possible experience for Japanese visitors.

“Last night we celebrated the arrival of the inaugural direct ANA flight from Tokyo,” Mr Carr said.

“To ensure we guarantee the success of the new daily service, we are firmly focused on delivering a fantastic experience for our Japanese visitors and have developed a coordinated approach to industry training.  We encourage all WA tourism operators to consider these fantastic opportunities.”

Click here to visit TAA

Click here to visit Tourism WA

Related reading:

Di Bain appointed to the Tourism Western Australia board

Western Australia welcomes record numbers of overseas and interstate visitors in 2018

AHA supports Western Australia tourism budget