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The post The Mekong Tourism Forum is back appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

The Mekong Tourism Forum 2022 will return as a face-to-face event 9-14 October at Hoiana Resort & Golf (Hoiana), Quang Nam province, adjacent to Hoi An city, in central Vietnam.

It will be the first in-person gathering of the six Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) destinations since 2019.

With the theme “Rebuild Tourism, Rebound with Resilience,” the forum in Quang Nam will be the first interactive event convening public- and private-sector tourism leaders and experts in the Mekong region since COVID-19 disrupted the travel industry.

“With a lot of rebuilding and catching up to do, the 2022 Mekong Tourism Forum aims to drive real action and create a more resilient, inclusive, sustainable and successful tourism industry.” said Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

The main public discussions and speeches at the Forum will take place on 12 October. Speakers will focus on tourism recovery, digital transformation, supply chain localisation, social enterprise business models, and best practices for a resilient travel sector rebound, especially using latest technologies.

Topics will include megatrends that affect tourism recovery. Panelists and experts will suggest policies, regulations and investments needed to bring back travel and tourism. There will be a special emphasis on nature-based solutions and technology adoption.

Specific panels will address social enterprises, connecting sustainable tourism suppliers and buyers, and unlocking green tourism opportunities.

Speakers will include leaders from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), representatives from other GMS national tourism organisations, the Asian Development Bank, Destination Mekong, Agoda, the Pacific Asia Travel Association, OAG, YAANA Ventures, EXO Travel, Travelife and the ASEAN Tourism Association, among others.

The Mekong Forum will take place in in Hoiana Resort & Golf (Hoiana), on a beach setting just south of Hoi An UNESCO-listed heritage city. Da Nang international airport is 40 minutes from the conference venue.

There will be complimentary airport transfers for Forum guests on 11 and 14 October. There will be post-event delegate tours in the Quang Nam area on 13 October.

The Mekong Tourism Forum is free to attend for genuine Greater Mekong Sub-region travel and tourism stakeholders.

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The post Seven Japanese destinations for second-time visitors appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

With borders relaxing and anticipation for travel to Japan peaking, get off the beaten track and explore some of Japan’s lesser-known regions on your next holiday.

If you’ve tackled Tokyo and know Kyoto, give other destinations full of natural beauty, historical sites and authentic culture a go. Here are seven Japanese destinations ideal for second-time visitors craving brand new experiences.

Hachinohe

Hachinohe is a region rich in history and natural beauty tucked in the northeastern Aomori Prefecture. Easily accessible via bullet train from Tokyo, Hachinohe boasts rugged coastal trails, sake-clear rivers flowing past farmhouses and lively markets – making for a perfect escape into the Japanese countryside. Foodies should head to the morning fish market Mutsuminato, a beloved local landmark that’s been part of the city since post-World War II as is affectionately called ‘Hachinohe’s Kitchen.’

Gifu

Located in the centre of Japan’s main island Honshu, Gifu is a large landlocked prefecture in the Japan Alps. A large part of Gifu is rural and home to a rich natural heritage; its traditions, culture and craftsmanship, handed down through many generations. This prefecture is ideal for the slower-paced explorer looking to embrace slow and meaningful travel. Be sure to visit the historic town of Takayama, an old merchant town overflowing with traditional Japanese architecture and atmosphere.

Ishikawa

Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture has a thriving traditional craft scene that’s been nurtured for generations. From the modern architecture of Kanazawa Station to the progressive 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, traditional geisha performances at Yamanaka-za Theater to exquisite porcelain displays of the Kutani-yaki Art Museum, there is something for everyone. One of the symbols of Ishikawa is gold leaf, extremely thin leaves of gold used decoratively on crafts and ornaments. Several shops around Kanazawa let visitors see the gold leaf process and decorate their own items, including chopsticks, small plates and mirrors.

Mitsuboshi Kaido

Nestled in the heart of Japan, the Three-star Road, also known as Mitsuboshi Kaido, encompasses five distinct destinations each with something special to offer. Travellers wanting to book a long-awaited trip to Japan should look no further than Kanazawa, Nanto, Shirakawa, Takayama and Matsumoto, where they’ll find historical sites, fantastic gastronomy and authentic culture at every turn. Be sure to visit Kamikochi – a popular resort in the Japan Alps offering some of Japan’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

Kyushu

Easily reached by land, sea and air, the dynamic island of Kyushu is Japan’s third largest island, located southwest of Honshu. Closer to Korea than Tokyo, but easily reached from every major Japanese city, Kyushu was an early centre of Japanese civilization and offers historic treasures, modern cities and natural beauty. From the volcanic landscape of Mt. Aso National Park, ancient rainforests in Yakushima and bustling cities of Nagasaki and Saga, Kyushu is an island as diverse as it is beautiful.

Shikoku

Japan’s smallest island, Shikoku is a beautifully remote spot full of cultural and traditional experiences. Accessible by bullet train and the Great Seto Ohashi Bridge from Tokyo, Osaka or Okayama, the scenic island is worth the travel as tourists arrive at its famous onsens, rugged coastlines and ancient 88-temple pilgrimage. Soak in the hot spring which inspired the iconic Studio Ghibli Spirited Away, try its famous Udon noodles, or visit Naoshima, an island completely dedicated to art.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan’s four main islands boasting unspoiled nature, many national parks and rural landscapes. Famous for its snow offering, the slopes in Hokkaido are legendary. For a truly unique experience, travellers should visit the Shiretoko Peninsula. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage National Park, visit the World Heritage Conservation centre to learn about the natural environment and the crucial work done to protect it. Elevated winding walkways offer routes around Shiretoko Goko with longer hikes available seasonally, whilst advanced hikers may take on the 8-hour round trip up to Mount Rausu in summer, the Shiretoko range’s highest peak.

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