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.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

DOORS OPEN

Registration & Networking Breakfast

10:00 AM – 10:10 AM

OPENING REMARKS

Newsweek and HAPPO-EN

10:10 AM – 10:25 AM

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Speaker TBC

10:25 AM – 11:05 AM

PANEL DISCUSSION 1

Japan as a Leading Global Travel Destination

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.

Moderator:

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelists:

Eijiro Yamakita, Chairperson & Representative Director, JTB
Takashi Yokaichiya, Head of Marketing and Japan Country Management, Travel & Mobility Business, Commerce & Marketing Company, Executive Officer, Rakuten Group, Inc.

11:05 AM – 11:35 AM

NETWORKING

Coffee & Connections

11:35 AM – 11:50 AM

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Speaker TBC

11:50 AM – 12:30 PM

PANEL DISCUSSION 2

Regional Destinations: Beyond the Golden Route

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.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

LUNCH & EXPERIENCE

Buffet Lunch and Guided Happo-en Garden Visit

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Speaker TBC

2:15 PM – 2:55 PM

PANEL DISCUSSION 3

The Future of Hospitality: Design, Service & Guest Experience

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.

Moderator:

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelists:

Hirohisa Fujimoto, VP Development Japan & Micronesia, Hilton
Yoshiki Kaneda, CEO and President, Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc.

2:55 PM – 3:35 PM

PANEL DISCUSSION 4

How Technology Is Rewriting the Global Journey

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.

Moderator:

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

3:35 PM – 4:00 PM

NETWORKING

Afternoon Break

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Speaker TBC

4:15 PM – 4:55 PM

PANEL DISCUSSION 5

Connecting Japanese Travelers and Companies to Global Destinations

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.

Panelists:

Yuji Hara, Chairperson, Japan Association of Travel Agents; Chairman, Kaze Travel Co., Ltd.
Tomoko Hisaki, Country Manager Japan, VisitBritain

4:55 PM – 5:00 PM

CLOSING REMARKS

Newsweek

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

NETWORKING

Cocktail Reception

Time Zone: (UTC+09:00) Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo []

Early Bird Price	until October 31, 2026	$495
Standard Price		$795

Join us for New Destinations™ Tokyo 2026