thing like this : "If you could put together a package in this way, we could sell it in Tokyo." As a result, the exhibition was a very sophisticated one. I am sure there are many assets still not discovered in the Kansai region, as well as through-out the rest of Japan. I am convinced that your assistance will enable us to promote local tourism.
Another request concerns information. Although we see many things taking place, we have no way to advertise them. Mass media seems to be a successful way of passing on information to a wide audience, rather than reaching only a few people. We would very much appreciate it if you would help us in the spreading of our information, and this is not necessarily limited to those who are involved in the tourism industry. Mr. Ido has contributed a great deal to the informing of people with regard to the Rekishi-kaido project.
I think the relationship between the tourism industry and local government - or the party who transforms a community, in other words - should be enhanced. It is necessary for both sides to advise and suggest things to each other. For example, if the local government has something which will appeal to people, they ought to inform the tourist industry of it, which can then respond by putting forward suggestions on the subject. Although such forms of collaboration already exist, they are not functioning properly yet and need developing before they have any practical use.
The third point is to educate employees so that they behave in a cooperative way, such as has been explained. In tourism, the impression of the community is formed from the attitude of the first person the tourist meets, and whoever they may be, whether taxi driver or hotelier, that person is representative of the community. Therefore, it is essential to train employees so that each one of them understands that they are in the spotlight giving information to the outside world, thus becoming proud of their job. A school in Thai-land was used as an example by one of the speakers and it is something I have long thought about since being involved in tourism and local products. We could establish such a school in order to qualify those who are suitable. Thank you.
Prof. Abe : Thank you, Ms. Uehara Mr Shimlzu please.
Mr. Shimizu : Concerning the Kansai region, plans are rapidly being put into practice. In particular, led by Mayor Isomura, Osaka City is using strategic theory to review and promote its tourism policy. The aim is to constitute a new "Visitors' Industry" targeting not only tourists but also those traveling on business. Its impact is expected to last at least until 2008 when Osaka is hoping to hold the Olympic Games. Besides this large event, two world conventions of the Rotary Club and the Lions Club have also been arranged. In addition, the East Asian Meeting is scheduled for 2001. Thus, various schemes related to the Visitors' Industry are in progress.
Today Mr. Onishi, Chairman of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce also participated in this symposium. The chamber has recently established the Tourism Promotion Committee, which is led by Mr. Kobayashi, Chairman of Hankyu Rail-way Ltd., for further promotion of tourism. Another project by Osaka City is being organized around historical figures such as Chikamatsu Monzaenmon, a famous playwright who lived in Osaka. His plays are to be rewritten using more modern language, and then portrayed using visual methods. To produce such an event, Osaka City aims to form a volunteer organization.
Next year, Nara Prefecture will see the completion of Suzakumon Gate. Although we cannot go right to the top, it is an example of magnificent architecture. A large Manyo Museum is also being planned. As Ms. Uehara explained, Shiga Prefecture is another expanding city. People will go anywhere if an event is well promoted and wisely advertised, but such cooperation has not been in operation so far. Firstly, superb products should be created by the private sector, and this should then be followed by the support of many
