With the beginning of national travel support, there is renewed interest in domestic travel.
JAL, which has bases throughout Japan, has been continuously implementing regional revitalization initiatives (currently the “JAL Furusato Project”). In August 2020, JAL launched the “JAL Furusato Ambassadors,” cabin crew members selected through an in-house recruitment process, who settle in local communities to promote regional initiatives. In December of the same year, JAL appointed “JAL hometown supporters,” who are involved in regional revitalization while serving as flight attendants. The aim is to develop products and solve regional issues for hometowns and other regions with which they have connections, utilizing the knowledge they have accumulated as flight attendants.
We interviewed Ms. Miho Yoshida, a JAL Furusato Ambassador belonging to the Miyazaki Branch, who organized the joint tour with JR Kyushu.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
This year, for the first time, JR Kyushu has a cabin attendant who lives in Miyazaki Prefecture. This was an opportunity for JR Kyushu and JAL to exchange opinions with the aim of improving service for both cabin attendants.
In order to make Miyazaki Prefecture more prosperous together, we have decided to implement a joint project in which the D&S train “Umisachi Yamasachi,” which normally runs only in the southern part of the prefecture, will also run in the northern part of the prefecture, and will also serve Miyazaki Airport, with JAL Hometown Support Team and JR Kyushu cabin crew providing tourist information inside the train. The JAL Furusato Oen-tai and JR Kyushu cabin crew will provide sightseeing tours on board.
–How are you involved in this effort?
JAL hometown ambassadors are also in charge of details such as events and work flow during the tour. As we share the same public transportation system, we have had many discussions to make the project even better for both of us.
In-train events to be held on outbound/return trips
The work flow of JAL hometown support team on the day of the event
Original handouts (commemorative train passes were created)
Original announcements (introduction of the municipality)
Role of JR Kyushu’s Cabin Crew
–What are your plans for the future?
We have received comments from participants that they would like to participate in the next tour and would like us to plan another one. In FY2023, we would like to further revitalize Miyazaki Prefecture by marketing a joint tour that combines JAL’s airplanes and JR Kyushu’s D&S train “Umisachi Yamasachi.
–Please give a message to travelers to Miyazaki Prefecture.
Miyazaki Prefecture is a place where you can experience a relaxing time and a true “detox” experience that will heal your body and mind. Miyazaki is a place where you can experience a “detox” experience, where you can relax and heal your body and mind. Above all, you will be healed by the people of Miyazaki. Miyazaki is a warm and welcoming place, where even first-timers are welcomed like family, with a warm “Don’t worry about it. Why don’t you come to Miyazaki Prefecture and experience a healing time? I’ll be right back!”
© Source travel watch