A
grant scheme launched by the City of Kyoto to enhance business
events through Japanese culture has proven so
popular that the entire 2012/2013 budget has already been allocated.
The
Culture Programme for Meeting Events Support System was launched last
year as part of Kyoto’s policy to promote the city’s brand
internationally and encourage meeting planners to
incorporate traditional cultural activities into their events. The
programme supports traditional arts being integrated
into education workshops,
gala dinners and reception parties, and the scheme has been embraced
by organisations with activities such as maiko and geiko, taiko drum,
Koto harp, tea ceremonies and kimono dressing performances becoming
integral to many events.
Kyoto
is widely recognised as a centre for heritage in Japan with its rich
history and culture, including 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
sites. Many of Kyoto’s historic venues have hosted events funded by
the scheme, as well as the city’s well known hotels, restaurants
and conference
centres.
One
example of how the
money was used was highlighted by Fuel Kyoto 2012
- the Ogilvy & Mather Asia Pacific Regional Conference - held at
Kyoto’s International Conference
Center (ICC), which included a traditional tea
ceremony, calligraphy, origami, taiko drums, sushi making,
manga drawing and bonsai among the activities offered to delegates as
part of the creativity education programme.
James
Kent, international
marketing manager
at the Kyoto Convention Bureau, has welcomed the
news of
the scheme’s success. He says: “Kyoto stands out from other
business destinations because of its rich culture and heritage. The
scheme was launched to offer support
to organisations visiting the city for business events and
help them integrate cultural activities, giving them the choice of
which were best suited to the venue and content. We are impressed
that so many organisations have taken the scheme on board. Not only
does it enhance their offering to delegates but it also boosts
business within the city and showcases Kyoto’s rich culture to
visitors from around the world.”
