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Me de Waal said TTNQ was careful to take the time to talk to industry and do research in Japan to understand how the region could be taken forward in that market and what skills would be necessary for the marketing role.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland has appointed experienced marketing professional Sam Sakamoto to implement the organisation’s strategy to reinvigorate the Japanese market.
Mr Sakamoto has specialised in the Japanese market for 23 years including 13 based in Cairns as Director of Sales at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, the Manager of Wasabi Marketing and most recently as product manager for online company Hot Holiday.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Alex de Waal said Mr Sakamoto would begin work on December 1 bringing with him a proven track record of developing new business in the Japanese market.
“Sam is experienced with taking new products to market and presenting them, as well as assisting products to adapt to the Japanese market,” he said.
“His creativity has encouraged Japanese wholesalers to use products for the first time, for example he promoted a romantic dinner on the beach to the honeymoon market for Kewarra Beach Resort and created a Japanese-friendly itinerary for Hot Air ballooning.”
“He has an excellent understanding of the trade distribution channels and online activity in Japan and is well respected by his peers in our region.”
Me de Waal said TTNQ was careful to take the time to talk to industry and do research in Japan to understand how the region could be taken forward in that market and what skills would be necessary for the marketing role.
“During that time we developed a strategy to reinvigorate the Japanese market using Tourism Australia research to identify what Japanese visitors are looking for in an overseas holiday.”
“We also undertook a comprehensive gap analysis to look at the barriers to Japanese travel.”
“This process identified a portfolio of destination experiences and products that best represent the most compelling and distinctive attributes of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef to our target market segments in Japan.”
“We want to see growth in Japanese numbers and a high level of customer satisfaction to ensure they return.”
“Now we have an understanding of how we can move forward in the Japanese market we have appointed a marketing manager to implement this strategy and grow visitor numbers.”
“Both myself and Director of Sales and Marketing Brian Hennessy will continue to have a very strong interest in the Japanese market, which is our second largest by volume, and remain involved in setting its strategic direction with expert advice from Sam.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
