Tourism Australia extends its partnership with Japan's largest travel agency

Tourism Australia has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan’s largest travel agency, HIS.

This new 3-year agreement signed in Sydney today aims to maximise Japanese visitors to Australia and achieve further sustainable growth for this important, high-yield travel market. The first 3-year MoU was signed in 2023, with this new agreement to extend out to mid-2029.

This week’s signing will be followed with an appreciation event in the Tropical North Queensland tourism hub of Cairns, acknowledging HIS’ strong support in the growth and development of tourism links between Australia and Japan, and supporting regional dispersal which is a priority for Tourism Australia.

Tropical North Queensland has long been a popular destination for Japanese travellers for its easy access to World Heritage areas including snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring Queensland’s Wet Tropics rainforests and nearby Port Douglas.

HIS is Tourism Australia’s largest key distribution partner in Japan, accounting for 60,000 visitors over the past 12 months and approximately 15 per cent of the total visitors from Japan to Australia.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Robin Mack recognised the value of the relationship with HIS Japan for Australian tourism, extending his congratulations on the continuation of this valued partnership.

“Our Aussie Specialist Program has 3,500 registered agents in Japan and HIS members account for 38 per cent of these agents, highlighting their commitment to a deeper understanding of Australia’s tourism offering and ensuring travellers from Japan have a memorable experience when they visit,” Mr Mack said.

HIS headquarters are located Shinjuku, Tokyo. HIS also has a significant presence in Australia with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, the Gold Coast and Cairns.