Helen Wong has taken on a new challenge, starting a new role as the first Australian representative to be appointed by Japan’s Nagano Tourism Organization.

It’s a significant move by the regional tourism body that will result in a broader awareness and interest to the “naturally gifted” region.

Nagano Tourism Organization will host a webinar on Tuesday, February 27 (noon – AEST) where it will unveil essential information on the prefecture.

It’s the first time the Nagano Tourism Organization has taken such steps to appoint an Australian representative pointing to Australia’s standing as the number one English speaking country on its international arrivals list.

Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano

Based on the number of night stays uncovered in the most recent tourism statistics, Australia ranked third in the top 10 countries to holiday in Nagano, north-west of Tokyo.

Only the nearby Taiwan and Hong Kong finished ahead of Australia followed by Thailand, Singapore, USA, China, South Korea, Indonesia, and the UK.

Wong welcomed the latest challenge which she says will create strong interest and help boost numbers from Australia.

“It’s an honour to be representing this breathtaking, naturally gifted corner of Japan,” Wong said.

HELEN WONG – New Nagano Australian representative – 2024

“Nagano has so much to offer with a great number of Australians already familiar with the ski fields, national parks, hot springs and, of course, the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

“However, there’s a lot more to the region which needs to be highlighted in attracting newcomers and further building on the already impressive figures.”

With more than 45 years’ experience in global tourism, Wong represented the Macao Government Tourism Office as well as the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Commission prior to the recent appointment. She also has her own events and travel business.

Billed as the Rooftop of Japan, Nagano and its snowcapped mountains hosted the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 1998.

Find the details of Nagano’s webinar here.

(Featured Image: Nakayama Plateau – Nagano Tourism Organization)