Solare Hotels & Resorts First Japanese Hotel Chain to Visit China Since Tohoku2011.07.01

(Tokyo – July 5th. 2011) Solare Hotels & Resorts Co. Ltd. （www.solarehotels.com/english） held iｔs annual trade fair, SOLARE EXPO 2011 in China, in three cities namely Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou from June 20-24, 2011, to promote travel to Japan and its chain of hotels to the Chinese travel industry.

Solare Hotels & Resorts President & CEO A.G Virili who led the Mission states “While Chinese inbound tourism to Japan decreased significantly after 3.11, this Solare Expo was held to reinforce the message directly with the Chinese travel industry that Japan is a safe destination.

Solare is the first Japanese hotel chain to hold a significant trade event in China since the Tohoku earthquake. Timing coincided perfectly with the Japanese government announcement of a new 3 year multi re-entry visa for Chinese visitors, as well as the imminent launch on 28th July by Hainan Airlines of regular Beijing – Okinawa services.”

Reflecting the importance of this Expo, Solare participants included Solare’s Deputy President, general managers from its key Chisun, Avanshell, Loisir and other franchised hotels, as well as a number of national sales executives. Solare exhibited model courses and provided detailed tourist information on various regions including Okinawa and Hokkaido. Solare is of the strong belief that hoteliers must play a role in tourism destination education and promotion in tandem with regional and national tourism promotion organisations.

China is well placed to become Japan’s Number One source market in the medium term future and Chinese travel agents already are looking to diversify to additional regional destinations and attractions within Japan, such as Okinawa. Solare gratefully acknowledges the support extended by senior Regional representatives from the Japan National Tourism Organization, who attended each event in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, to reinforce the charms of Japan and explain the new visa details.

A total of 76 participants from 40 travel agents specializing in Japan and 16 local media visited SOLARE EXPO 2011 in China to foster detailed exchange with the Chinese travel industry.
　　　

About Solare Hotels & Resorts Co. Ltd. – “Nationwide for all occasions”
As of July 2011, Solare Hotels & Resorts Co. Ltd. and its almost 5,300 associates operate, franchise and asset-manage 73 hotels and 12,696 rooms throughout Japan, including Chisun hotels, Loisir hotels, Hotel Avanshell, the Okinawa Marriott Resort & Spa and the Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers.
URL: http://www.solarehotels.com/english

PRESS INQUIRIES
Mr. Takatsu or Ms. Hashizume of AVIAREPS Marketing Garden Ltd.
PR Agency for Solare Hotels & Resorts
Tel: + 81 (3) 3225-0008 　 E-mail: nhashizume@aviareps.com

Ms. Masui or Ms. Suzuki of Solare Hotels and Resorts
Tel: +81 (3) 6402-7265

Solare EXPO 2011 in China (Shanghai)

Solare EXPO 2011 in China_News release_English.pdf