The Importance of Cultural Workshops in Attracting Wealthy Foreign Tourists to Kyoto

Kyoto, a city visited by over 50 million tourists a year, is making efforts to attract wealthy foreign travelers by offering cultural workshops. These workshops aim to provide a deeper engagement with the destination and satisfy the appetite of high-end tourists for a more immersive experience. With the number of visitors already at record-high levels, Kyoto is shifting its focus from quantity to quality in its tourism promotion. The city recognizes the higher spending associated with high-end tourism, especially by foreigners, and aims to capitalize on this market segment. According to the city, Japanese travelers spent about 47,000 yen ($420) per person in 2016, while foreign tourists spent about 100,000 yen. By targeting wealthy foreign travelers, Kyoto hopes to revitalize its traditional industries and boost the local economy. As part of its efforts, Kyoto has partnered with the city of Kanazawa, another major Japanese tourist destination, to organize a study tour for American travel agents. The aim is to showcase the cultural programs available in Kyoto and encourage travel agents to sell trips to their wealthy customers. During the study tour, two women were introduced to various cultural programs in Kyoto. They had the opportunity to put on Kimonos at a kimono rental shop, visit a sake brewery, and experience a traditional tea ceremony. The city hopes that these experiences will inspire the pair to organize travel plans based on their firsthand experiences in Kyoto. By offering cultural workshops, Kyoto aims to attract wealthy foreign tourists who are seeking a deeper connection with their destinations. These workshops not only provide a unique and immersive experience but also contribute to the revitalization of traditional industries and the local economy. In conclusion, cultural workshops play a crucial role in attracting wealthy foreign tourists to Kyoto. By offering these workshops, the city can cater to the preferences of high-end tourists and provide them with a more meaningful and authentic travel experience. This, in turn, benefits the local economy and helps preserve and promote Kyoto's rich cultural heritage.