In an unprecedented move, Sapporo, the radiant capital of Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, hosted the illustrious Adventure Travel World Summit from September 11-14, positioning Asia in the limelight of the global adventure tourism stage for the first time.
The summit, a historic rendezvous of its kind, witnessed an assembly of over 750 pioneers in adventure tourism representing 64 nations. Their singular goal? To harness business synergies and unlock the vast potential of Hokkaido’s untouched terrains for avid travellers.
Diving deep into the cultural tapestry and natural splendour of Hokkaido and broader Japan, seasoned travel connoisseurs embarked on journeys to capture its essence. Among them, Paul Sarfati, the visionary behind Baboo Travel, remarked, “Hokkaido unfolded before me, rich in indigenous traditions, gastronomic wonders, and adrenaline-pumping escapades. The wheels are in motion to introduce more wanderers to this Japanese gem.”
Amidst its urban allure brimming with culinary delights, nightlife, and culture, Sapporo emerged as the heart of this four-day extravaganza. Offering an alluring juxtaposition, the city opens doors to wilderness ventures just moments away from its urban expanse. In the words of William Tang, a respected Canadian travel chronicle, “Sapporo is Japan’s unsung hero. Every corner holds an unexpected thrill, revealing facets of Japan hitherto uncharted.”
Reflecting upon the transformative nature of the summit, Shannon Stowell, the dynamic CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, proclaimed, “Hokkaido’s spell has been cast. Those tasting its magic for the first time are undoubtedly weaving it into their entrepreneurial narratives. We’ve kindled a beacon, highlighting Sapporo and Hokkaido for the global adventure tourism fraternity.”
In a testament to the city’s rising prominence, “Adventure Cities” is set to showcase Sapporo in a special episode on the Discovery Channel on October 22 at 7:30 a.m. EST.
For an in-depth tête-à-tête with Shannon Stowell on Hokkaido’s adventure potentials, delve further here.
For those bitten by the travel bug, gather comprehensive insights on Sapporo from the official city website.
Written by: Michelle Warner
