Jeepney Press / Lala Lopez De Leon

Walk With Me: Tourism Expo Japan at Tokyo Big Sight

By Lala Lopez de Leon

September 22, 2022

Indeed, as in Mick Jagger’s hit song, “old habits die hard.”

Although it was a job that was not a main stay in my working life, having spent just about two (2) years with the Philippine Department of Tourism Tokyo Field Office, the experience was thoroughly exciting as much as inspiring. So, I supposed that left a lasting imprint, subconsciously. And so thrilled I was to be given the chance to do a part-time job at the much-awaited Tourism Expo Japan at Tokyo Big Sight for 4 days in late September.

It seems as simple as retracing my steps while at work at DOT Tokyo in the Philippine Embassy. I still very much remember how this kind of event is organized, how business meetings with tourism and travel professionals are conducted, or what programs to show to attract visitors to one’s booth, hoping they would be enticed as well to travel to the destination being promoted.

It has taken four (4) years to hold this grand tourism exposition in Tokyo again, after being postponed due to Covid-19. There is so much enthusiasm from all corners of the globe, with the proactive participation of government tourism bodies, given that Japan is one of the major markets for travel / tourism supplier countries, such as the Philippines.

In fact, the Philippines is in a position to brag at this event – it has once again received multiple awards at the 2022 World Travel Awards held in Vietnam. The title of Asia’s Leading Dive and Beach Destination, and Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction specifically for Intramuros. I bet the folks at the Department of Tourism are mighty proud and inspired here!

Tokyo Big Sight is one great venue for events such as this. But it does require a lot of walking. I try to find consolation in the benefits this much-needed exercise provides me, especially that we still spend a lot of time working from home. For four days straight, I could look forward to achieving a daily average of maybe 10,000 steps on the pedometer. Hoping this would solve the problem of my disappearing waistline!

Plus, I get to enjoy meeting people, in fact making new friends, and gaining new insights into the history and cultural traditions of the participating countries.

I was particularly attracted to Saudi Arabia as a travel destination. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has just really opened its country to commercial tourism in 2018, and is now offering its awe-inspiring nature from the rock inscriptions and archaeological cities dating back to more than 10,000 years to its enticing beach resorts by the Red Sea with state-of-the-art facilities.

Saudi is a proud home of several world heritage sites. Imagine as well the vast Caravan Trail, an ancient road. Each season of the year offers a distinct Saudi experience. For sure, the photographs and videos presented at their booth are telling of such statement.

From any angle, the country exudes an aura of romance and adventure, and this I think is evident in noteworthy destinations Riyadh, Jeddah, KAEC, Abha and AlUla.

Someday, while I still can, I would love to visit Saudi Arabia. Even if it means a lot more walking.

For now, this full day of work and fun, I have exceeded the recommended target for walking as an exercise: 12,726 steps on the pedometer. Good job!

Photos by Lala Lopez de Leon