Increased Visitation
54.2% growth in pax-nights (25/26)
Agent Engagement
123 agents trained (25/26)
Trade Partners
49 key partners (25/26)
Media Meetings
133 Media Meetings (25/26)
Linkd tourism Drives Visitation to Okinawa with trade, PR and Marketing
Representation
Linkd Tourism has proudly represented Okinawa Tourism in the Australian market, driving awareness, engagement, and conversion through Public Relations, Travel Trade Representation, and Consumer Marketing. As Okinawa’s dedicated in‑market partner, we connect the region with Australian travellers, media, and trade — building authentic, lasting connections that translate into real visitation and measurable growth.
Our approach reflects Linkd’s core values: foundational excellence, collaboration, transparency, and continual innovation. We work hand‑in‑hand with Okinawa to ensure the region’s unique culture, nature, and experiences are not only seen — but sought after.
Objective
We are committed to elevating Okinawa’s profile as a fresh, enticing, and culturally rich destination for Australian travellers. Our objectives include:
- Growing awareness and consideration for Okinawa among both new and repeat visitors to Japan.
- Driving demand and conversion through trade partnerships, media exposure, and targeted consumer marketing.
- Supporting industry and wholesalers with the tools, training, and insights needed to confidently sell Okinawa.
- Increasing visitation and expenditure within the region by showcasing Okinawa’s distinct appeal beyond Japan’s traditional “Golden Route.”
Insight
Australians have a deep and enduring love for Japan. First-time travellers often follow the classic Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route, but repeat visitors are increasingly seeking new, authentic, and lesser‑known experiences. This shift toward regional dispersal presents a powerful opportunity for Okinawa.
With its subtropical climate, island culture, world-class beaches, and Ryukyuan heritage, Okinawa is perfectly positioned to capture this growing demand for discovery — offering Australians a Japan they haven’t seen yet.
Our Successes So Far
We have firmly established Okinawa’s presence in the market via our efforts outlined above and will continue to grow visitation via ongoing initiatives:
- Drove increased visitation to the region, showing a 54.2% growth in pax-nights to the region, as compared to flat growth in pax-nights nationwide, from the Australian market. (Source: Japan Tourism Agency Statistics, 12 months to June 2025 vs June 2026)
- Established a comprehensive local website for trade and media, serving as a one-stop-shop for Okinawa destination information.
- Identified and engaged with the top 45 Australian travel trade partners, maintaining relationships, and adapting to market changes.
- 5,000+ agents reached quarterly with Okinawa-focused e-newsletters whilst 860 agents have been trained across webinars and trade events.
- A four-part dedicated ‘Discover Okinawa’ webinar series was organised and produced, each episode partnering with an airline for a call to action for agents. We partnered closely with Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, EVA Air and Scoot.
- Initiated and managed partnerships. We have worked successfully with Experience Japan, Ignite Travel Group, Inspiring Vacations, Travel Japan by H.I.S., TripADeal, Hunter Travel Group, and JTB Australia among others.
- Participated and represented Okinawa at many trade events within Australia, including Japan Travel Showcase by ANA, China Airlines Trade Seminar and JNTO Roadshows.
- Conducted a unique Trade and Media event in December 2025 in collaboration with the Okinawan Club of Sydney, hosting 27 trade and media partners, enjoying and experiencing Okinawan cuisine, entertainment and presentation to educate participants.
our work so far
What Our Trade Partners Say About our work with kyushu
I am extremely delighted to advise that our first Kyushu tour was remarkably successful with ALL customers thoroughly enjoying the itinerary. Having customers experience and love the destination, wanting to return to Kyushu and recommend our trip to their friends and family is invaluable and powerful in the long run. I am confident the continued promotion of the tour and highlighting destination will inspire more travellers to the region.
What Our Trade Partners Say About our work with kyushu
Kyushu is incredible, I was super impressed how it balances all the ingredients we know and love about Japan. The food, the culture, friendly people, onsens and temples gives a more local experience and takes you off the beaten track. Thank you to Kyushu Tourism and Linkd Tourism for hosting this amazing trip showcasing this new destination. I will be sure to share my experiences which will be invaluable to assisting in future product development for the region.