TOURISM holds a bright future in the 21st century as more and more people are expected to travel in the coming years, a visiting Japanese tourism college official said.
Susumu Seino, vice president for administration of Trajal Hospitality and Tourism College in Osaka, said tourism will continue to be popular.
“Tourism is very important in Japan. In the 21st century, tourism will become a major industry,” Seino said.
In Japan alone, he said, an average of 17 million people travel every year.
He said the figure would further increase when the economy improves.
He admitted that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks also affected the enrollment in the college this school year.
There are currently 1,500 students enrolled in the college.
“A lot of high school students are interested in tourism but there was a little decline in interest after 9/11,” he said.
To boost its program, Seino said they will pursue partnerships with international institutions.
The Osaka-based college yesterday signed an internship program agreement with the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Northern Marianas College.
Seino said they found the CNMI an ideal place for its graduates because of its many hotels and “easier” immigration procedures.
“There are many resorts and hotels here. It’s also easier to (enter Saipan) than Guam,” Seino said.
