July 20 2007
A local businessman is set to drive North East business with Japan forward as he highlights NewcastleGateshead's tourism benefits and homegrown products abroad.
Peter Candler, Managing Director of Jesmond Dene House Hotel and Restaurant in Newcastle flew to Japan recently to promote North East England as a tourism destination for Japanese visitors and businesses.
Armed with a bottle of Oleifera - the region's premium rape seed oil - to impress his Japanese counterparts, the trip gave Peter vital information in how to extend tourism links into the Japanese market.
Peter met with key organisations in Japan such as Kuoni Travel Ltd, the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Miki Tourist and Universal Netlink.
Peter said: "I want to show our Japanese counterparts how much the North East has to offer Japanese visitors. They were impressed with Jesmond Dene House in terms of it's emphasis on creating fine, flavoursome food with a respect and passion for the ingredients as well as its beautiful surroundings."
He highlighted the region's key heritage sites such as Hadrian's Wall, Durham Cathedral, Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle and Warkworth Castle, as well as the beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes the North East has to offer alongside its award winning restaurants.
Peter presented Mr Takayuki Machida, Director of Sales, Universal Netlink with a bottle of Oleifera rape seed oil as a representative example of the quality food products of the area. NorthEast England - Japanese connections date back to the 19th century with trade links between Lord Armstrong's armaments business on Tyneside. Peter said: "I'm keen to re-open these historical links with the East. We had the honour of Admiral Togo, the Japanese naval hero, staying here in 1911 where he expressed his thanks to the city of Newcastle for its role in building and arming the Japanese navy and for training personnel."
As well as Admiral Togo, Chinese ministers and Japanese princes have all stayed or dined at Jesmond Dene House. Since his trip last month, Peter is currently investigating the viability of developing a market for Japanese tourist visits to Jesmond Dene House with accommodation packages specifically designed for the purpose. These packages may be part of an overall programme of activities taking in visits to other popular destinations in the North East and further afield.
"North East England has the tourism assets to be seriously considered for inclusion in a list of UK destinations with special appeal for the affluent overseas tourist from the East," says Peter.
Modern-day links between Japan and North East England began in the late 1970's with inward investment of large manufacturing companies such as NSK, Nissan and Komatsu who were attracted by the manufacturing and engineering experience, willing workforce, attractive prices and good infrastructure.
One NorthEast supported Peter Candler on his trip to Japan through it's Tokyo office.
Media Enquiries:
Virginia Lingstadt or Wayne Halton at MWH PR on 0191 2331300 or virginia@mhqpr.co.uk
