Hizen Association established to brand West Kyushu tourism area

The Nishi Kyushu Sasebo Wide Area Metropolitan Council and Huis Ten Bosch have established the ‘Hizen General Incorporated Association’ to brand the northern part of Nagasaki Prefecture and the northwestern part of Saga Prefecture as a unified tourism area named ‘Hizen’.

The initiative aims to transform the region into a destination for long-term stays, addressing current challenges where over 52% of travelers stay for only one night and the inbound tourism ratio is just 7.1%, significantly lower than the Kyushu average of 27.5%.

Starting in fiscal year 2026, the association will focus on food-centric projects, including the ‘Culinary Atelier’ for human resource development and various food experience events. Future phases through 2029 will expand into developing ‘Cultural Auberge’ accommodation and dining facilities, as well as supporting local cultural experience products to boost regional economic development and preserve local resources.