Sectional Workshop C： "Is Pulling Power in Shiga Prefecture Strong or Weak?"
Instructed by Kuniko Takasaki
｡?akasaki
First of all, let's step away from tourism a bit to think about why Shiga is a transit prefecture. The main reason, of course, is that it's too close to Kyoto. That being the case, the first thing we must do is consider ways of using this proximity, this closeness, to advantage.
The resort potential of this prefecture is what I would emphasize most in terms of Shiga's unique features. When we think of resorts in Shiga Prefecture, obviously it's Lake Biwa that comes foremost to mind. In addition to the requisite views, lakes offer a sense of visual expansion. And water, being the source of life, offers the wonderful benefit of contributing to comfort. People who come to see Kyoto can stay in this spacious expanse of waterfront in Shiga Prefecture, and use it as a base from which to explore Kyoto during the day. I feel this can be a very attractive tourism product.
Well then, what should we to do to reap rewards in the 21 st century? One important viewpoint I'm proposing to you today is the "barrier-free" concept. Without efforts to do away with the various obstacles, or barriers, that surround the traveler, the words "please visit" can, in some ways, be synonymous with "please don't visit." I now turn the discussion over to you.
○Participant (Shimizu： Nagahama Tourism Association)
Although Kurokabe is touted as a success in many ways, we find ourselves wondering if that really is the case. Many of our visitors are actually people coming from the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe or Nagoya areas who are en route to the Hokuriku hot springs etc., and we just happen to be the perfect place to drop by for lunch. In that sense we are your typical transit tourist site. In fact our total lodging capacity is less than 2,000 people.
｡?akasaki
Seen from outside your prefecture, your community gives every appearance of joint efforts working well; for example you are effectively harnessing the activities of community volunteers.
May I inquire how you feel about that?
｡?articipant (continued)
It's true that Nagahama is doing relatively well in those respects. The situation seems to be one in which the private sector takes the initiative and does the vigorous flag-waving, and the administration and tourism association follow behind. As the term "community development" suggests, I think the issue is whether various people can share one dream or ideal, and jointly strive toward it in harmony and coordination.
｡?akasaki
I would now like to ask those of you who are visiting from outside Shiga Prefecture about what kind of image you have of this prefecture.
