M.C.: I am sorry to have kept you waiting. We will now begin the panel discussion of this International Tourism Exchange Symposium. Today's panel discussion consists of two parts. Part I is "Rediscovering and Creating Japan's Charms" and three guests will make a speech on this theme. Following this we will have a short break, then we will continue to Part 11 to discuss the "Infrastructure for Kansai's Inbound Tourism".
I am going to introduce our three guest speakers, but firstly let me introduce Professor Isao Abe who will act as the coordinator for both parts. Professor Abe is a Professor of the Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences and at the same time he is President of Kansai Institute of Urban Culture. He was appointed a member of the Osaka 2lst Century Association's Grand Design Drafting Committee and holds various other positions. He specializes in socioeconomics.
Now let me introduce our guests. The first speaker is Mr. Jon Hutchison. Mr. Hutchison is Managing Director of the Australian Tourist Commission and is soon to take over as Managing Director of the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The second presenter is Mr. Shin Koga who is Assistant Vice President of Dusit Hotels & Resorts. The Dusit Thani Hotel, which is well known in Japan and used by the Thai Royal Family, is a member hotel of Dusit Hotels & Resorts.
The third presenter is Mr. Yumito Sanjo of the Okayama Prefectural Government Office of International Exchange. Presently Mr. Sanjo is in charge of friendship exchange projects with the state of South Australia, one of friendly cooperation of Okayama Prefecture. From now on, the coordinator, Professor Abe will take over from me. Thank you.
Prof. Abe: I would like to begin the first part of the panel discussion. The speakers will address us in the order that they have been introduced. Firstly. Mr. Hutchison will introduce the case study of Australia's basic strategies for tourism. Australia has successfully pursued its fundamental policies on tourism exchange and promotion.
Secondly, Mr. Koga will present examples of how to develop the tourism industry as a part of international exchange and tourism.
Thirdly, we will have a presentation from Mr. Sanjo, concerning the Okayama International Villa. Today international exchange and tourism in every community is an important issue and the Villa is well known for its advanced concept. I am convinced that all the presentations will highlight fascinating themes that we cannot afford to miss and I hope you will enjoy them.
Now I would like to ask Mr. Hutchison, who is Managing Director of the Australian Tourist Commission, to speak for us.
Mr. Hutchison: Yamashita san, President of the Asia-Pacific Tourism Exchange Centre, Mr. Keiji Wada, Director General of Tourism Dept. Ministry of Transport, Prof. Abe, Coordinator for this symposium, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. I'd like to thank the Asia-Pacific Tourism Exchange Centre for inviting me to speak to you today about how Australia developed its tourism industry. (Ｉam) delighted to be back in your magnificent region with its spectacular new airport.
My subject today is one of great importance to my country. The marketing of Australia as an international tourism destination over the past 10 years and the performance of Australia's tourism industry over the same period constitutes one of Australia's success stories. Our growth in visitor arrivals has averaged 13% per annum since 1985, well ahead of the world average.
I would like to give you some figures now reflecting the growth of tourism. But you will appreciate that the Australian economy is very small compared to the Japanese and these numbers are comparative.
