The Okayama University UNESCO Chair held the Kobe Universal Tourism Symposium on February 7 at the Kobe Central Ward Cultural Center in collaboration with the City of Kobe and the Kobe Tourism Bureau.

The symposium opened with welcoming remarks by Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi (Global Engagement), UNESCO Chairholder at Okayama University, followed by a guest address from Ms. Miwa Ohnishi, Assistant Director of the Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific of UN Tourism (United Nations World Tourism Organization). In her remarks, she highlighted the growing global demand for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism accessible to all. The symposium explored approaches to accessible and sustainable tourism and activities, emphasizing the importance of public–private collaboration at the regional level.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Kumi Kato of the Faculty of Tourism at Wakayama University, an expert in sustainable regional tourism development. Drawing on case studies from Japan and abroad, Professor Kato provided insights into the significance of establishing universal tourism initiatives in local communities.

Following the keynote lecture, three speakers shared perspectives from different sectors: Mr. Takuma Nakagawa, Director at the Kobe City Economic and Tourism Bureau (local government); Mr. Ryoichi Matsumoto, President and CEO of Kojitsu Sanso Co., Ltd. (private sector); and Mr. Shunsuke Kido, Representative of the Suma Universal Beach Project (nonprofit organization). Through their presentations, the speakers demonstrated how the development of a platform for accessible tourism initiatives in Kobe serves as a public–private collaboration model, enabling diverse stakeholders to leverage their respective strengths while enhancing coordination among their activities.

In the latter half of the symposium, a panel discussion was held with Associate Professor Kosuke Iketani of the Institute of Education and Student Support (Global Education Area), Vice Chair of the Okayama University UNESCO Chair, serving as moderator. Panelists included Professor Kato, Mr. Matsumoto, and Mr. Kido, joined by Professor Takeo Kondo of the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo, whose expertise lies in building inclusive social systems through diverse participation. The discussion explored future prospects for advancing universal tourism.

In closing remarks, Ms. Reiko Kobayashi, Executive Director of the Kobe Tourism Bureau, emphasized the significance of sharing initiatives related to universal tourism from Kobe.

On the day of the event, panel exhibitions by related organizations and companies, including Kojitsu Sanso and Wakayama University, were also displayed. Many participants were seen stopping to closely examine the exhibits, including posters and specially designed wheelchairs.

Okayama University will continue to promote initiatives that strengthen integrated partnerships with regional communities and the international community, with Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)—a key foundation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—as one of its distinctive institutional priorities.

References
・Kobe Official Tourism Website “Feel KOBE” – Kobe Universal Tourism

・Okayama University visits UN Tourism and proposes collaboration on accessible tourism aligned with the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism