Central European Tourism Leaders and Stakeholders from the Japanese Outbound Tourism Industry successfully conclude B2B workshop in Tokyo
The European Tourism Association (ETOA), in partnership with Discover Central Europe, ETC (European Travel Commission) and Miki Tourist Co., Ltd., hosted Discover Central Europe – Japan 2026 on September 28, 2026, at the Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Ariake.
The high-level B2B trade event was a dedicated joint initiative across the four dynamic Central European nations: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. It brought together 25 premier Central European travel suppliers, spanning national tourism boards, destination management companies, luxury hotel groups, airlines, and major attractions to connect with over 50 key Japanese travel trade stakeholders and media partners.
Driving the Recovery of Long-Haul Japanese Outbound Travel
The full-day event served as a critical platform to revitalize Japanese outbound tourism to Central Europe, facilitating targeted business-to-business appointments, strategic destination updates, and high-level networking.
Media representatives and trade partners attended afternoon sessions including individual executive interviews and a comprehensive Destination Seminar. The seminar highlighted emerging travel itineraries, experiential tourism offerings, and key updates from European National Tourism Organizations.
The day concluded with an exclusive networking reception designed to foster long-term commercial partnerships between European suppliers and Japanese travel organizers.
Discover Central Europe Participants
- Czech Republic: CzechTourism, Asiana, Contact Travel Service, Emirates Airline, Enjoy Europe, Hilton Prague Old Town, ITC Travel & Conference, Serviced Apartments Prague
- Hungary: Visit Hungary, Miki Travel Kft
- Poland: Polish Tourism Organisation, Dream Events Poland / for Rest Travel DMC Poland, Furnel Travel International, Hotel Bristol (A Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw), Jacek Legendziewicz Jordan Group, JAN-POL Incoming Tour Operator, Lublin Metropolitan Tourism Organisation, Malopolska Tourism Organisation, Melody Tours, Municipality of Kraków, Supertour DMC Poland, The Westin Warsaw
- Slovakia: Slovakia Travel, Todas, Tripito
“Japan remains one of Europe's most valued and long-standing origin markets, renowned for travelers who appreciate culture, heritage, and sustainable travel experiences. Events like Discover Central Europe Japan 2026 demonstrate the deep commitment of Central European suppliers to support Japanese trade partners. As long-haul travel continues its structural recovery, strengthening these direct ties and offering diverse, high-quality regional itineraries is essential to driving sustainable growth for both Europe and Japanese tour operators.”
Comprehensive European Industry Participation: Showcase: Outbound Japan 2026
The event was part of ETOA’s inaugural Showcase: Outbound Japan 2026, which brought together an additional 30 suppliers and destinations representing diverse regions across Europe, including Belgium, Croatia, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, and Portugal.
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About European Tourism Association:
ETOA is the trade association for tour operators and suppliers in European destinations, from global brands to local independent businesses. The membership includes tour and online operators, intermediaries and wholesalers, European tourist boards, hotels, attractions, technology companies and other tourism and business service providers.
About Discover Central Europe:
A joint promotional platform representing the Visegrád Group (V4) tourism boards: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The group is focused on raising awareness of Central European heritage and tourism offerings globally. For more information: https://discovercentraleurope.eu/
