Kyushu Inbound Conference 2026 addresses regional tourism growth

The Kyushu Inbound Conference 2026 was held in Fukuoka City, bringing together approximately 200 participants from local governments, destination management organizations (DMOs), and the tourism, transportation, and accommodation sectors. Co-hosted by the Kyushu Tourism Organization, BeA, and Fukuoka International Airport, the event focused on the theme of driving the next stage of inbound growth from Kyushu.

Takashi Hamasaki, Executive Director of the Kyushu Tourism Organization, outlined the Third Kyushu Tourism Strategy (2024–2030). The strategy aims to increase tourism consumption through four key pillars: promoting visitor attraction, developing tourism resources, improving acceptance environments, and revitalizing the tourism industry. Specific initiatives include creating high-value-added products centered on food and enhancing Muslim-friendly environments.

A significant challenge identified during the conference is the heavy concentration of international flights at Fukuoka Airport, which handles 80% of the region's international arrivals. Discussions emphasized the need to distribute tourists more effectively across various locations throughout Kyushu.