moca-ca222-blog

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Technology in tourism industry

Do you like travel? How do you book or search your destination, transportation, accommodation, activity for your travel?

Online Travel Agents (OTAs) such as Viator and Expedia and LCC companies are currently key distribution channels, but should only be part of a balanced distribution plan to ensure your tour and activity business's sustainable future.

Today, I will talk about new channels of distribution and how technology influences tourism industry.

Recently, as you know, internet technology influences the distribution of channel. Ee can make reservations on the Internet in tourism sectors such as hotels or airlines. According to one reserch by New York Times, 80% of the age of 20〜50 years old use OTAs or online flight tickets system to book their travel. The reason why they use internet to book instead of visiting is quicker, no need to make time to go to travel agencie, sometimes cheper, easy to arrange everything by their needs and easy to compare with other options.This system does not only make procedures more convenient but also get tickets at cheaper price. Because of the introduction of new distribution systems, we have been able to travel by more convenience and multiple ways.

Let’s move to next topic, how technology influences tourism industry.

As I mentioned above, technology influences the channels of distribution. Furthermore, nowadays, we use social networking sites to research and refere to make decision of destination for trips by the post that is shared people's personal experiences of trips as there's a word that is called online "word of mouth". Once we put key words of places or hotels that we are interested in Trip Adviser, Facebook and instagram etc, we can see a bunch of alive information, pics and reviews which are written by experiences.

However, I think we need to consider about some points to promote those technology and use the new technology and intenet information. For example about technological literacy. Especially, the Internet procedures are useful and easy to use for young people, but it could be difficult and complicated for elderly people. For those peoples who is not used to use technology, travel agencies and operators are supposed to exist interms of availability of visiting offices and talking with officers in person. They also can be easier and more comfortable and have accurate and professional information.

Also, I think that we have to be careful and examine about comments and information on social media or the internet because we can not say that those are 100% right information we can not say that those are right even though it’s useful. Actually the thing some companies hire people to write good reviews of them for gathering costumers have happened. We must not swallow the information that we get from social media or the Internet and we just use them as one part of quotes and references for our best decision. 

-470 words

<References>

https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/09596110410519982

https://www.google.co.jp/amp/s/nationalpost.com/travel/travel-agents-havent-been-replaced-by-the-internet-in-fact-theyre-more-in-demand-than-ever/amp

https://www.google.co.jp/amp/s/www.researchgate.net/publication/228319772_The_Internet_Effects_on_Tourism_Industry/amp

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Explore-Asheville

 Small town, yes – but what a cuisine! 

Today I’d like to be talking about the small city, which is located the county seat of Buncombe country,North Carolina, United States, Asheville and its renovation of branding destination . It is the largest city in Western North Carolina, and the 12th-most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. 

In Asheville, there is the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority BCTDA). Their mission is to be a leader in the economic development of Buncombe County by attracting and servicing visitors, generating income, jobs and tax revenues which make the community a better place to live and visit.

So what is their unique sells points and what make them unique? According to their website, Asheville is that type of unique, special place that lingers sweetly in your mind and memories for years to come. The city's rich architectural legacy with its mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles is the perfect retro-urban backdrop to the edgy energy that emanates from the locally owned-shops and art galleries, distinctive restaurants and exciting entertainment venues.A bastion of cutting-edge art and technology in the Blue Ridge, the city also prides itself on its fascinating Appalachian past and celebrates this culture with annual events such as Shindig on the Green. While many cities underwent major overhauls in past decades, Asheville's historic and architecturally diverse downtown remains beautifully preserved.

There's something special about Asheville, and the world is just beginning to discover it. This thriving mountain city features a funky and eclectic downtown, 30-plus art galleries downtown alone, a burgeoning culinary scene, a thriving live music scene and, of course, the awe-inspiring scenery of the Appalachian Mountains. Asheville is the ultimate playground, with a wide diversity of outdoor adventures and the ideal destination for an active and healthy getaway.

Also the most unique point of them is “food”. They are branding theirselves as “dynamic food city”, “FOODTOPIA”. Tapping into soul food, this small city in North Carolina has managed to create a very dynamic food scene, FOODTOPIA, and built a very enthusiastic community of Foodtopians around it. Foodtopia is what they call their food scene in Asheville, home to a community of culinary collaborators crafting an experience to nurture your soul. Each restaurant, beer place, farmers markets believe every meal is a celebration, a revelation and a transcendent experience. And they are on a pursuit to bring the most unique and memorable food and drink experiences to tourist. 

Even though Asheville is a small city and not really known compare to other American tourism city, it is  filled with natural wonders and architectural treasures and unique and enjoylable food experience. You’ll soon understand the allure of Asheville if you visit there once. Nature, recreation, arts, events, festivals, locals and food, there are over 50 unique attractions which you cannot experience in your real life. You can create your own itinerary by them. You'll never get bored. Asheville is said an attractive tourism destination, but also this place has chosen as the best place people want to live.

I think Asheville’s way of branding is effective and considerable as destination branding. As escaping place from hectic cities, to find new and great experience, their promotion on internet and effective use of spectacular photo said, and logos seem effective. Especially, the brand name of their food scen" FOODTOPIA" makes it unique and make us want to visit there. Also as term of tourism slogans and brand messages always must be simple and easy to understand, their branding and selling point are very simple, and people must imagine what Asheville like and how beautiful it is. 

Also I guess their target markets are multiple. Asheville has many attractive aspects for adventure lovers, family, elderly people, kids, international and even domestic tourists, short stay, long stay...etc, every types of tourists must be able to enjoy there attractions and travel. And the colorful logo indicates the diversity.

Discovery, inside and out -their slogan is also effective and exactly indicates the fun of discovery of their multiple attractions.

-575 words

<References>

https://www.exploreasheville.com/foodtopia/

https://www.exploreasheville.com/

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Japan’s New, Ultra-Luxurious cruise Train, Train Suite Shiki-Shima

With all the latest advancements in air travel, train travel may have fallen a bit out of fashion these days but the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) is hoping to change that and In May 2017, JR East began operating Train Suite Shiki-shima. The train became popular even with a high price point . While its JR Tokyo Wide pass is letting rail-riders spend several days exploring the area around Tokyo, the company’s new ultra-luxurious sleeper train, the Train Suite Shiki-Shima, could very well change the way people think about it. Japan's new Shiki-Shima train could just be the most luxurious in the world and started their service since May 2017 and the popularity hasn’t known to stop.

The Shiki-Shima, which means "island of four seasons" in a nod to the country, is the latest project from East Japan Railway Company. It has only 10 coaches and can fit a maximum of 34 passengers. Called a "cruise train," all of the rooms on board are suites. The train also boasts a lounge, two observatory cars made completely of glass, and a fine dining car.

The suites offer "a journey full of experiences and discoveries like no other you've experienced before," according to the website.

The basic and "deluxe" suites have beds, a shower, and a lavatory. The basic costs $8.802 for a solo traveler on a two-night/three-day trip, while the deluxe is $11.442.

Meanwhile, the "Shiki-Shima" two-floor maisonette suite, which will set a solo traveler back $12323, has traditional tatami mats (mats made by bamboo) and a specially-made cypress bath.

Also the lounge car is designed like "a quiet forest."

The two observation cars, found at either end of the train, offer "front-row seats to this natural extravaganza" with glass walls and ceilings.

The dining car, which serves fine cuisine from around Eastern Japan, boasts a Michelin star, according to The Independent. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served on the train by uniformed butlers, who can also act as personal concierges.

There are a few options available, but the longest trip is the two-night and three-day tour starting from Tokyo's Ueno station.

The journey stops in the likes of Shiroishi, Aomori, Hirosaki, Ichinoseki, and Naruko-onsen for sightseeing tours — and it even features a trip to a hot spring.

It includes Japanese two breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners and they attract passengers as well. Japanese spectacular traditions, technology are blighting for this trains.

Prospective passengers must apply online and will be chosen from a lottery, although applications for the season from December 2018 to June 2019 are already closed due to demand.

As transportation for travels, air plane is known the fastest, most convenient and popular these days. However, cruise train such as Shiki-Shima also has many advantages which can compete with them and attract passengers. More unique experience, for people who would rather to enjoy the scenery of journey from the windows than to be carried quickly. This is able to be said new trend for transportation.

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References

http://www.jreast.co.jp/shiki-shima/en/

http://www.cirpac.com/travel-on-japans-luxury-sleeper-train/

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JAPANESE TRENDY THEMED RESTAURANTS

People enjoy eating out a lot. We all love a good restaurant meal, and there's something to be said about feasting on delicacies without having to do an ounce of cooking or cleanup yourself. Perhaps some people spend time and money in restaurants more than dining an home. In fact, from 2015 to 2016, for the first time in history, Americans spent more money at bars and restaurants ($54.857 billion) than they did on groceries ($52.503 billion). Restaurants industry is playing important roles in our life. Therefore, it’s competitive to gather customers. Making restaurant concept new and unique is the most necessary to make differences between other restaurants.

As we know, as cool Japan, there are so many unique, fun and extraordinary ideas and concepts in Japanese restaurants. Today I am going to be talking about two interesting theme restaurants. Even only in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, they  have a bunch of cool and highly experience theme restaurants and bars. Here Shinjuku is no longer to be visited by tourists without going those unique restaurants.

1. School-themed restaurant

There are school-themed restaurants which bring us back to elementary school life. As soon as we enter this restaurant, teachers (servers) bring us to a class room which has black boards and school style desks and chairs. Food menus are also based on school lunch. They have drinks that are like chemistry experiments. Also they have an activity called exam time and we take elementary school level tests then. This is definitely new and unique, isn’t it? Domestic customers can enjoy and feel nostalgic moments there and even foreign tourists can enjoy what Japanese school life is like.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jyw1yaV4Hg

2. Fishing experience in restaurant

Fishing Restaurant is also becoming a trend in Japan. It is a place where we can experience a fun and memorable meal while the more serious diner enjoys great Japanese-style cuisine. One of the famous fishing restaurant, Zaou in Shinjuku’s the central dining area is a “fishing boat” sitting in a pool of water. And in that pool swims your next meal—one of the dozens of live sea bream, waiting for the wiggle of shrimp bait or a swooping net. Because at Zauo, you can fish for your own dinner! Finding the right fish to fish, you will need to get a pole and bait (108 yen) from the staff. Also if you have no idea how to fish, they have an English guide and helpful staff members to assist you. From there, you pick out a likely anglin’ spot and get to catching dinner. The sea bream are obviously the most numerous, but they aren’t your only option--you can catch flounder, spiny lobster, or other fresh seafood from isolated tanks at the edges of the main pool.  Here you can enjoy not only Japanese fresh fishes meals, experiences of fishing! 

https://youtu.be/fiRHicR3vZw

Both of restaurants I introduced so far make importance for fun experience in restaurants. People spend a lot of time in restaurants with their precious people. For enriching your time in restaurants, you should choose unique and amazing concept restaurants! Those Japanese themed restaurants are highly recommended and considerable as competitive concepts as restaurant industry. I cannot wait how unique concept restaurants are showing up next!

 -541 words

References

https://www.tripzilla.com/zauo-fishing-restaurant-tokyo/83061

https://gizmodo.com/tokyos-most-unusual-restaurants-offer-more-than-food-1147350054/1160093311

https://travelience.com/blog/themed-restaurants/

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COMPARISON OF JAPANESE AND NORTH AMERICAN CULTURES

Thanks to globalization, there are more opportunities to see and even work with many people who has different cultures from we own. 

Our culture identifies who we are and how we behave in social environments and provides us with a foundation in which to live our lives and raise our families. 

Today, I’d like to discuss about comparison of Japanese and North American greeting and work cultures with my experience in America and Canada and facts.

１．How to greet, display affection

 First of all, the greetings of the Japanese are very formal. A bow is the traditional greeting most often used. There are specific rules and guidelines to bowing that must be learned at a very young age. A sign of respect is shown by bowing lower than the person you are greeting . American are more casual in greeting, meanwhile, Japanese are more polite when meeting someone. Language also shows their characters. For example, Japanese have honorific words strictly and doesn’t use casual greeting such as “How are you doing?”. However, English doesn’t have honorific words strictly and they use so many casual words even for older people than us, boss just for greeting. Japanese way can be polite and can make hospitality apparently but Western people must feel sad to hear that they rarely touch, hug and kiss even with family. In fact, most school children have said they have never seen their parents kiss.  North American way to greet and display of affection is more emotional and obvious. People who speak both Japanese and English or have experienced to live in Japan and North America are likely to say it’s easier to get close to people in America than Japan because of such as cultural differences. 

We can see the differences in selfies as well!

2.Work culture

Next, work culture is also different.

The Difference in Meetings

Group decision-making is standard for Japanese business, and it can be confusing for Americans. Most notably, you’ll see this cultural difference arise in the meeting room. In American business, meetings are restricted to the people who have authority on the topic. The only people present in the room and active in the discussion are those who are directly responsible for the project. In Japan, on the other hand, they’ll bring every member of the team: even the junior person. Almost everyone who is part of the project will come to the table. This often means that it will take longer to make decisions, but that is fine in the Japanese culture: in general, a good, well thought-through decision is valued much more highly than a quick one.

Japanese and American Have Different Leadership Ideals

In the US, quick decisions demonstrate that you’re a good leader and a strong leader. Americans want someone who is energetic, charismatic and action-oriented. Japanese have different ideals of leadership. In general, thoughtful, calm people are considered more appealing. They represent wisdom and quiet strength. You can see these differences in almost every aspect of the respective leaders: their body language, their intonation and their thought process reveal the differences in their priorities. If we look back at the long Japanese history, we can possibly understand why measured and thorough decision-making is considered so valuable. For hundreds of years, Japan was completely closed to the Western world for trade; the country’s leadership has often felt protective of Japan and watchful over the people. The United States, on the other hand, boasts several hundred years as an established nation and a go-get-‘em mentality. Both are valid and understandable processes of thinking. Instead of labeling the other side as incompetent from our own limited view, the first step is to embrace the difference and work with it. Each culture has its unique strength and beauty that we can learn from when we treat it with respect.

As you have seen so far, there are interesting differences between Japan and America.

Each individual culture has certain customs and courtesies that are important. Exposure to the cultures of others can be intimidating and can leave a person feeling confused and unsure about how they fit in. Culture shock can leave a person feeling out of place in an unfamiliar culture. Our diverse societies demand understanding and acceptance of other cultures.

Learning and understanding these cultures are interesting and can help to reduce culture shock. Our culture is what makes us different but it may also be what makes us the same.

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References

https://www.thisisinsider.com/differences-japanese-and-american-dating-2018-2#dating-partners-ways-of-expressing-emotions-can-differ-significantly-4

https://www.businessinsider.com/etiquette-differences-between-japan-and-us-2018-6

https://www.japanvisitor.com/japanese-culture/usa-japan

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The Bubble gum pink lake in Australia

 Can you imagine not blue but PINK lake exist in the world?

With its mere 600 meters in length, Lake Hillier is not one that will impress you by its size.

Lake Hillier delights your eye with its blight pink color. Moreover, it lies just next to the Pacific Ocean, thus if you watch it from above, the contrast between the mellow pink of the lake and the blue of the ocean is breathtaking!

The Hillier Lake was first discovered in 1802 by navigator and cartographer Matthew Flinders who took samples from the lake and mentioned its existence in his journal.

The reason of its unique color is still a topic that is not fully understood by scientists, although most scientists do agree it has probably something to do with the presence of a specific species of microalgae - Dunaliella Salina.These salt-loving photosynthetic microorganisms generate energy by using other parts of the visible light spectrum except in orange/red frequencies.

 For a few years they used to extract salt from the lake but nowadays it is only used for tourism purposes. You can see and experience spectacular view there.

According to the official site for the pink lake of Australia, it is perfectly safe to swim in the lake. the water is clear and will not cause any harm to you or your skin but drinking hypersaline water is dangerous. Never drink it even if it looks delicious like strawberry milk.

 Despite this, the lake is very difficult to get permissions to swim in it  for regular tourists to actually visit on the ground. The lake is best appreciated from the air in any case where you can really see its vivid pink color in contrast with surrounding forests and the Indian Ocean. Travelers can, on occasion, be dropped off on Middle Island from helicopter rides and cruise ships but these tend to view the lake from the shore.

 You must be impressed to PINK lake Hillier. Then you should go to explore it and take some awesome pictures for making your instagram lovely! 

-345 Words

References

https://www.australia.com/en/places/perth-and-surrounds/guide-to-pink-lake.html

http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-lake-hillier/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qal38Bq1dyw

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Hotel industry Trend-Technology

Today I am going to talking about a current and emerging trend in the hotel industry. As you know we are living on technology generation so absolutely a current trend is also supposed to be related to technology. The more technology is developed, the more unique and useful ideas are introduced in the hotel industry. Many travelers even seem to prefer technology to human beings. Then I am going to introduce two interesting and controversial examples. First, they want to check-in digitally. It’s really common digital check-in at the air ports but it is becoming to be common even at hotels. Many hotels have their apps and we can check-in through the apps before and get room keys when we arrive at the hotels. Even we can get some bar codes instead of keys and can go into rooms by the codes. That means we don’t need to line up for check-in and can save time. In my opinion, it’s a new and interesting thing but I don’t really favor of it. Unlike air planes are visible from staffs, hotels are too private so we need to know what is the rules and we have to be carefully. Otherwise we might have trouble and have to pay. We are supposed to talk with staffs. And as long as I see feedbacks of people who have ever used digital check-in, they didn’t save time so much.  Next, now people even don’t mind if a robot delivers room service. In Japan they have opened the Henn na – or Weird Hotel where guests check in with robots which also deliver their luggage to rooms. And an R2D2-sized robot named Relay which was created by Santa Clare, California-based Savoike has been riding elevators and scooting down hotel hallways, delivering extra towels and soft drinks to guests. They are totally unique and people enjoy the collaboration of hotels and technology. Also this will give staff the opportunity to focus on more personalized service, as opposed to rote tasks. Robots are better at translating language. This structure is expanding rapidly. I just doubt if it can be sustainable even people get bored of the ideas of robots. Summary, hotel industry is influenced by technology a lot and it can interest people and make their stay comfortable. However people are apt to just try to use the ideas of technology so we need to use them goodly to develop hotel industry more and more. Anyway I am excited what will happen on hotel industry by using technology in the future. I’m sure we will be surprised a lot.

https://heelsfirsttravel.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/is-it-better-to-check-into-a-hotel-in-person-or-online/

https://www.smartmeetings.com/news/69716/new-robot-may-revolutionize-hotels

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/16/japans-robot-hotel-a-dinosaur-at-reception-a-machine-for-room-service