Building a New Tourism Industry Platform through Investment in Akan Adventure Tourism (Special Investment Operations)

Akan Adventure Tourism Corporation (headquarters: Kushiro, Hokkaido) is a DMO^*1 established mainly by local companies and JTB Corporation, with the goal of developing high-value added experience-based tours using local tourism resources. This is underpinned by the aim of the Akan Tourism Association & Community Development Organization, a local DMC,^*2 to revitalize the local economy by establishing a new tourism business.

Akan Adventure Tourism engages in adventure tourism,^*3 which leverages the charm of the Akan region, including the establishment of Kamuy Lumina, a night walk around Lake Akan forest. This is a hands-on tourist experience that combines Ainu culture and digital art and allows participants to enjoy a walk in a national forest during the night.

DBJ has been providing DMOs with knowledge on the tourism industry, taking advantage of business relations with local hotel operators and other businesses. Expectations have been pinned on business participation that aims to support the management of DMCs. Accordingly, DBJ, in conjunction with local financial institutions, provided a joint investment through Special Investment Operations.

DBJ is supporting the development of schemes and business plans that will attract investment from private-sector companies, and also supports the commercialization of DMO and DMC activities through collaborations with local financial institutions and by matching businesses with companies outside of Hokkaido and implementing promotions.

*1. DMO stands for destination management/marketing organization, a corporation that creates tourist spots jointly with the community by being well-versed in the tourism resources of the local community.
*2. DMC stands for destination management/marketing company, a corporation that engages in creating tourism plans that are close-knit with the local community, where the DMO conducts management and resource development.
*3. Travel consisting of at least two of the following three elements: activity, nature, and cross-cultural experiences.