From November 9-11, 2024, Japan hosted the “Tourism Resilience Summit” in Sendai, in collaboration with UN Tourism. The city was chosen as the site of this global gathering due to its ongoing recovery from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and its role in the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 during the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. The Summit aimed to advance the global tourism sector’s resilience and sustainability while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Summit addressed the evolving concept of “resilience,” traditionally associated with natural disasters and economic crises, but now encompassing vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the projected growth of global tourism, the event highlighted the increasing importance of integrating sustainability and resilience to mitigate tourism-related risks on economies and societies.
The three-day event welcomed around 100 participants from 10 countries and 7 international organizations across the Asia-Pacific region. Key sessions included a symposium, bilateral meetings, and ministerial discussions, culminating in the adoption of the “Sendai Statement,” a framework for enhancing public-private collaboration in disaster preparedness and recovery. Participants also explored Sendai’s recovery efforts and cultural assets through excursions to local landmarks. Events were hosted at premier venues, including the Sendai International Center and Sakan, a historic ryokan with over 1,000 years of tradition in the Akiu hot spring resort. Sendai’s Tourism Crisis Management Manual, developed in conjunction with the Summit, was unveiled to improve disaster response and communication, especially for international visitors.
The Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association, to which the Sendai Convention Bureau belongs, contributed by recruiting volunteers, creating a welcome board, and having the association Chairperson participate in a panel discussion.
See the official report in Japanese by Sendai City here: https://www.city.sendai.jp/mice/tourism_resilience_summit.html
See the “Sendai Statement” (in English) on the Japan Tourism Agency website here: https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001842371.pdf
Photo provided by the Sendai City Tourism Resilience Summit Promotion Office, Department of Culture and Tourism.
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