Seven Australian travel professionals have been selected to take part in two exclusive famil trips to Fukushima, following more than 100 applications from across the industry.
The famils are being run by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) in partnership with Fukushima Prefecture, with the first group departing on October 21.
Three advisors have been selected for the Aizu Course from October 21 to 25: Heidi Barrenger from Angas Travel, Cheuk Ming Mitchell Tam from Phil Hoffmann Travel – Norwood and Molly Jackson from itravel Griffith.
The Aizu itinerary will focus on the region’s culture, history, cuisine and traditional Japanese experiences, giving participants a closer look at a part of Japan still relatively unfamiliar to many Australian travellers.
A second group will join the Hamadōri Course from October 25 to 29. Participants are Louise Leo from Ida Portella Business and Travel Services, Melissa Goodwin from Envoyage Cronulla, Vicki Carmichael from Main Beach Travel and Eileen Orrell from MTA.
The Hamadōri program will explore local tourism experiences as well as Fukushima’s recovery and regeneration story, including the prefecture’s Hope Tourism offering.
Dean Long, ATIA CEO, said the response reflected strong interest from Australian travel professionals in expanding their knowledge of Japan beyond its better-known destinations.
“We were thrilled to receive more than 100 applications for just seven places across these two famils,” Mr Long said.
“The level of interest speaks volumes about the appetite within our industry to discover new destinations and experiences in Japan and bring those stories back to Australian travellers.”
ATIA also confirmed it will continue working with Fukushima Prefecture on further promotional activities for the Australian travel industry in 2027.
