What is an incentive trip?
An incentive trip is a general term for a form of reward in which companies invite their top performers and customers to go on a trip, where the company provides them with recognition and unique experiences. This type of incentive serves as a motivational tool for participants, fosters teamwork, and creates a sense of unity within groups. Sponsoring companies and organizations hold these trips as part of their endeavors to enhance their organizational strength and drive sales. Nowadays, incentive trips cover multiple aspects of the business event term MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition), meetings (M) and incentives (I) in particular.
Now is the time to consider holding incentive trips, meetings and events in Japan, which can yield great results for both internal and external participants.
The Attraction of Japan
With the outbreak of COVID-19 subsiding and demand for travel recovering, the number of visitors to Japan as of April 2023 is almost 2 million at 1,949,100 (figures provided by JNTO*).
*Reference: JNTO | Number of foreign visitors to Japan (Estimated figures for April 2023)
Travel to Japan no longer requires a negative test certification, and masks are now a personal choice as it was back before the spread of COVID-19.
Many international visitors come to Japan for its beautiful nature, rich traditions, and unique mix of cultures. Japan boasts a long list of Natural World Heritage List. Japanese pop culture is also at the forefront of global trends, including everything from anime and manga to fashion and cars.
In particular, visitors consistently express high praise for Japan’s excellent food, cleanliness, and safety throughout all of its regions. The high standards of Japanese hospitality represented by its deep-rooted culture of “Omotenashi” is also widely adored.
Meetings & Events throughout Japan
Japan has an excellent track record of hosting visitors for business events. According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), 176,000 attendees participated in 527 meetings and events across 19 cities in 2019 – the highest number of participants in Asia and 7th in the world rankings.
With a wealth of experience, facilities, and other amenities, and the spirit of Japanese hospitality, you can rest assured that you will receive personalized services of the highest quality from the preparation stage and all the way up to the conclusion of the events.
Special Venues in Japan
-Selecting a Venue-
The Japan Tourism Agency has designated 12 cities as “Global MICE Cities,” as they are ideal for holding conferences and other events for those in academia and industry. Those cities are Nagoya, Chiba, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kitakyushu, Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, and Yokohama. These cities offer facilities, public transportation, accommodations, and tourist attractions to cover any and all needs that travelers may have.
Meetings and receptions can also be held in unique venues, including historical Japanese buildings and cultural facilities.
Some possible locations for events in meetings and receptions in Japan: State Guest House at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Group Special Events at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, etc.
Hot spring resorts are also popular locations. The hot spring baths at these resorts are known for contributing to health and skincare. Groups can also enjoy traditional Japanese banquets at accommodations in these resorts.
Why not hold your event in such a location for an authentic Japanese experience?
-Regarding Arrangements-
Besides air travel, one must also make arrangements for transportation, accommodation, event venues, places to eat, guides, and interpreters during ones’ stay in Japan.
When planning a trip to Japan, in addition to travel dates, length of stay, and destinations, one must not forget that budgets, dining options, and cultural experiences are but some of the things to keep in mind.
-Things To Keep In Mind-
The tasks that planners involve themselves in can be overwhelming. JTB USA, the American wing of one of Japan’s oldest and largest travel companies, is ready to provide total support!
How JTB USA Can Help You
We offer expertise that only the largest and most established Japanese company can provide to ensure smooth and stress-free planning until the day of your trip to Japan.
Please feel free to contact us for help exploring destinations and venues.
