Kyoto Convention Bureau hopes scheme will benefit more meetings in 2012/2013.
A grant system launched in Kyoto to encourage meeting planners to incorporate traditional cultural activities into their events has been hailed a success. In 2011/2012, the City of Kyoto introduced the Support System Culture Programme for Meeting Events as part of its policy to promote the city’s brand internationally. It proved popular with 75% of the grant budget being used to incorporate cultural activities into events – the most popular being maiko and geiko geisha.
The Kyoto Convention Bureau has welcomed the continuation of the scheme for 2012/2013 and hopes more meeting planners will take advantage of the financial support, particularly those organising smaller events.
Kyoto is widely recognised as a centre for heritage in Japan with its rich history and culture, including 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. The programme supports traditional arts such as maiko and geiko, taiko drum, Koto harp, tea ceremonies and kimono dressing performances which are integrated into education workshops, gala dinners and reception parties.
The Bati Holic Taiko Drum Toupe
Some of the meetings which benefited from the grant included the International Association for Energy Economics, and the IEEE International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems. Many of Kyoto’s venues participated including the Noh Theatre, Butokuden Martial Arts Hall, the Tofukuji Zen Buddist Temple as well as hotels and conference centres.
James Kent, international marketing manager at the Kyoto Convention Bureau, comments: “We recognise that many business destinations around the world already offer local cultural attractions to meeting organisers as well as different forms of subvention. However, these activities are often decided upon by the destination. The benefit of the scheme in Kyoto is that meeting planners can decide for themselves which of Kyoto’s cultural arts fit best with their programme. The grant simply provides the support to help them incorporate it.”
“We have been highly impressed with the success of the scheme. With the scheme continuing in 2012/2013, we hope that even more meeting planners can take advantage of the financial support available and showcase Kyoto’s rich heritage to delegates from around the world.”
Kyoto is consistently ranked as Japan’s second most popular city for meetings, conferences and events – and is increasingly the number-one choice for company incentive travel.
Kyoto offers a range of modern meeting facilities, unrivalled international access, low-cost high-quality service, stunning special venues, and plethora of sightseeing and cultural attractions.
Kyoto was capital of Japan from 794–1868, marking the longest period that any city has ruled the nation. This legacy lives on in a city that combines modern facilities with history and culture, including 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites – a concentration unmatched anywhere else in the world. Many of these cultural treasures can be used as venues for events.
Kyoto offers the comfort of world-class hotels as well as popular national brands and traditional Japanese ryokan inns with famous Japanese quality and attention to detail in hospitality.
Kyoto is one of the most accessible cities in Japan thanks to its proximity to Kansai International Airport gateway and its location on the Shinkansen bullet train line.
