Tourism Expo Japan 2023 Osaka-Kansai, one of the world’s largest travel events, is being held at INTEX Osaka (Suminoe-ku, Osaka City) for four days from October 26 to 29.
The Okinawa Corner exhibits the main theme of “Okinawa Ethical Travel,” a tourism policy being developed by Okinawa Prefecture, which aims to become “the sustainable tourism destination of choice in the world,” under the motto of “human-, social-, and environment-friendly tourism.
A large stage was set up in the center of the corner. Plants actually brought from Okinawa will be planted around the stage to emphasize the image of Okinawa. Various events and workshops will be held every day to raise awareness of ethical travel.
On the 28th and 29th, the public is invited to enjoy eisa and Ryukyuan classical music, workshops on making Yonaguni Island folk tools, quiz contests, etc. On the 28th, Miss Yaeyama, Miss Miyakojima, and mascot characters of Yaeyama and Miyako Island will participate on stage, which is also a highlight of the festival.
Also on display on the stage is sand from the beach, which was brought from Iriomote Island with permission. This sand is mixed with microplastics actually collected at the beach, and visitors can experience the collection of microplastics. This is also part of the Ethical Travel program. Through this hands-on experience, the company hopes to raise awareness of the current state of Okinawa’s beaches and the microplastic problem, and to raise awareness of environmental initiatives.
Around the stage will be booths set up by local governments, tourist associations, lodging facilities, and other organizations in Okinawa Prefecture. At each booth, visitors can obtain the latest tourism information and receive original goods and specialties from each area.
© Source travel watch