Yokohama, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, has developed a business events and tourism strategy for 2030, where the plan is to attract more visitors by highlighting the city’s cultural, natural, and historical assets.
Yokohama’s initial focus is to enhance its appeal as a destination by developing more attractions and experiences centred around the city’s waterfront, port, cultural arts, and event calendar. This approach aims to increase visitor satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.
Next, Yokohama intends to continue attracting major international conferences and medical conventions. Alongside these efforts, the city plans to invigorate the local economy by engaging local companies, DMCs and residents to promote the sustainable growth and development of business events and tourism in the area.
The plan will also prioritise the development of human resources that will support the growth of business events and tourism services. Additionally, the city will foster partnerships with businesses, research institutions, startups, and industry clusters that can contribute to the business events sector.
Building on this strategy, the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau has introduced eight new tours specifically designed to cater to the preferences of convention attendees. These tours were developed based on a survey indicating that visitors are particularly interested in Yokohama’s cultural attractions, sightseeing spots, and local cuisine.
Tours include bar-hopping in Yokohama’s dining district; a wellness experience at a Zen temple; a seafront walk along the Port of Yokohama; and an introduction to the city’s design and architecture at sites including the Red Brick Warehouse and Yokohama Landmark Tower.
