New Destinations™ Tokyo 2026

Join us for New Destinations™ Tokyo 2026 Tokyo | December 01 - 02, 2026 New Destinations™ Tokyo 2026 Japan is one of the defining success stories of modern tourism. In barely a decade it has gone from a niche destination to the trip everyone is taking — record arrivals, a weak yen, and a cultural pull no marketing budget could manufacture. Which leads many to ask: how did the country achieve this, and what comes next? On December 1, 2026, Newsweek brings its New Destinations™ to Tokyo for the first time, in partnership with The Worldfolio. At HAPPO-EN — a premium hospitality venue set around a centuries-old garden in the heart of the city — 150 senior leaders from hotels, airlines, railways, travel platforms, MICE and destination organisations gather for a day of discussion. With Japan as the anchor and global tourism as the lens, the conference takes on the themes shaping the Asia-Pacific region and the wider travel sector: managing growth without losing authenticity, spreading visitors beyond the headline routes, building technology that serves hospitality rather than replaces it, and forging partnerships that connect destinations in both directions. Apply for a Complimentary Pass A limited number of complimentary passes are available for qualified professionals working for travel and tourism brands. Complete the form below to apply. Our team will review your details and contact you if you qualify. 1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8631, Japan VP Development Japan & Micronesia Chairperson Japan Association of Travel Agents Chairman Kaze Travel Co., Ltd. Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc. Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) Senior Managing Director, COO, CMO The Inland Sea, SETOUCHI Tourism Authority (SETOUCHI DMO) Chairperson & Representative Director Head of Marketing and Japan Country Management, Travel & Mobility Business, Commerce & Marketing Company, Executive Officer Japan’s tourism boom has become one of the world’s great success stories, surpassing pre-pandemic records and advancing toward ambitious 2030 goals of 60 million visitors and ¥15 trillion in spending. Driven by demand for safety, authenticity, culture, food, and distinctive experiences, Japan now stands at the forefront of global travel. This session highlights the policies, cultural strengths and industry investments fueling growth — and explores how the country can transform its momentum into lasting leadership in international tourism. Around the world, leading destinations face the challenge of spreading visitors beyond their most famous cities- Asia is no exception. While Tokyo, Seoul and Ho Chi Minh City remain essential gateways, the country’s deeper tourism potential lies in its regions — from food and craft to hot springs, festivals, and wellness. This session explores how stakeholders can overcome barriers of awareness and accessibility to build a connected ecosystem, inspiring travelers to venture further and experience Asia’s rich diversity sustainably. Hotels are no longer just places to stay — they shape how destinations are experienced and remembered. Asia’s renowned service culture and craftsmanship continue to set the global standard, even as travelers increasingly seek authenticity, wellness, sustainability, and personalization alongside traditional hospitality. This session explores how hotel and hospitality leaders can rethink design and service — navigating rising costs, labor shortages, and competitive pressures — to deliver experiences that resonate with the next generation of guests. AI, automation, and smart infrastructure are redefining how people move through the world. This session explores the technologies transforming operations, guest experience, and international travel flows — from border innovation to seamless mobility — and how Asia can lead in building tech-enabled tourism that remains human-centered. Japanese travelers have long been valued for their focus on quality, safety, culture, service, and well-structured experiences. As international travel patterns evolve, global destinations have a renewed opportunity to engage Japanese consumers, corporate travelers, incentive groups, and high-value outbound segments. With demand shifting, this session will explore emerging traveler trends, digital inspiration, and cross-border partnerships that strengthen connections between Japanese travelers and the global tourism ecosystem. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek Business Matchmaking Join us for a day of private, pre-arranged meetings in Tokyo. Partners, speakers and invited guests meet the people they came to meet, matched in advance against their own commercial priorities rather than left to chance in a room. 01 / Share Your Priorities Ahead of the conference, partners tell us who they want to meet: named companies, institutions, or a category of guest. 02 / We Make the Introductions Newsweek and The Worldfolio work through the confirmed delegate list, find the match