Sponsor Insight

Kagoshima Hospitality by SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima

BY Daniel de Bomford, Bernard Thompson and Arthur Menkes

SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima Brand Video 2020 (Full Version). Credit: Courtesy of SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima.

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The most unforgettable discoveries often lie off the beaten path. Once overlooked by international travelers, Kagoshima, nestled at the foot of the active Sakurajima volcano, is a city where natural spectacle meets rich history. It's a place where the spirit of Saigo Takamori, the legendary "last samurai," still lingers; where imo shochu, a distilled sweet potato spirit, is cherished and served in the warm, lively atmosphere of the izakaya that dot this vibrant Kyushu city.

Ryuichi Yano

Ryuichi Yano. Ryuichi Yano, president, SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima. Credit: Courtesy of SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima. Ryuichi Yano. Ryuichi Yano, president, SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima. Credit: Courtesy of SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima.

Our hotel’s key strength lies in the stunning natural scenery surrounding us.

Ryuichi Yano, president, SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima.

It is because of this backdrop that SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima President Ryuichi Yano says he has "high expectations" for inbound tourism. The company owns and operates SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima, situated atop Shiroyama Hill, which offers breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the city, the picturesque Sakurajima Island and the stunning Kinko Bay. The hotel boasts more than a dozen restaurants and an array of facilities, such as gift shops, banquet halls and meeting rooms.

Natural attractions are a significant draw. SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima has natural hot springs, with waters drawn from more than 1,000 meters beneath the earth. Yano describes Sakurajima Island and Ibusuki City, famous for its sunamushi warm sand baths, as must-see, easily accessible destinations. Furthermore, the hotel's team of 150 chefs carefully sources local ingredients, allowing guests to enjoy a truly authentic experience.

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SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima

SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima with Mount Sakurajima in the distance. Credit: Courtesy of SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima.

SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima

SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima with Mount Sakurajima in the distance. Credit: Courtesy of SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima.

Club Executive Twin

Club Executive Twin. Credit: Courtesy of SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima.

Breakfast buffet

Breakfast buffet. Credit: Courtesy of SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima.

Original Craft Beer

Original Craft Beer. Credit: Courtesy of SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima.

Open-air hot spring

Open-air hot spring. Credit: Courtesy of SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima.

As demographic challenges escalate, Yano is looking to grow the number of stays from inbound tourists. "Raising international awareness of our hotel is quite a challenge, so forming partnerships is essential," he explains. While the current goal is for foreign guests to be 30 percent of the hotel's visitors, Yano seeks to maximize the hotel's utilization and increase the proportion to 40 percent. To achieve this, the company employs increasingly diverse staff to assist foreign customers in their native languages, including English and Chinese. It also looks to integrate and revamp the AI Concierge on its website to improve usability for foreigners.

With government ambitions to increase inbound tourism numbers to 60 million by 2030, hotels like SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima will play a vital role in attracting tourists into the regions and supporting their stays. "We hope that foreign tourists will come to experience the exceptional beauty and offerings that Kagoshima and our hotel have to offer," the president says.

For more details, explore their website at: https://www.shiroyama-g.co.jp/en/

All interviews were conducted by The Worldfolio and can be found at www.theworldfolio.com.

This report has been paid for by a third party. The views and opinions expressed are not those of Newsweek and are not an endorsement of the products, services or persons mentioned.