Oki Islands Geopark was accepted for the Japan Travel Agency’s FY2023 Regionally Unified Tourism Destinations, Tourism Industry Revival, and High Value-Added Project to renovate its facilities and create and release an audio guide. Additionally, to report these results, the geopark held Oki Islands Conference in Tokyo as a PR event. 

Background

The natural environment and lifestyles and traditions of people on the Oki Islands is considered internationally significant and was certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark “where the Earth’s memory lives on” in 2013. However, tourism was primarily short stays and experiences that touched on natural and cultural resources were not adequately being provided. 

In light of this background, there was demand for experiences that touch on the deep history from the beginning of Earth until the present and upgrades to facilities that are bases for touring the geopark, leading to the implementation of this project.  

Facility Renewals 

On this project, 7 accommodation facilities and one dining facility was refurbished to promote staying tours based in the Oki Islands. 
The following are some of the refurbishments made. 
・The creation of a lounge that functions as a local information and co-working space 
・Construction of the roof, outer wall, and other parts using visually appealing materials that harmonize with the scenery 
・Dining refurbishments to support gastronomy that utilizes local ingredients 

Example of high value-added renovations (Oki Plaza Hotel)

Creation and Release of an Audio Guide 

As a material that touches on natural and cultural resources, the geopark created and released Exploring the Islands through the Geopark, its official audio guide. Centered around geopark sites, it follows a storytelling format to allow listeners to learn background about the local area and suggests a unique way of touring around the islands that differs from previous tour routes. 

In addition, the geopark also created an Otomo Radio, a radio show-style audio recording that travelers can listen to during transit via plane or ferry, expanding the ways that travelers can get information before and during their trip to the islands. 

“Exploring the Oki Islands through the Geopark,” the official audio guide

Holding Oki Islands Conference in Tokyo 

On June 3, 2024, Oki Islands Conference in Tokyo was held as a press event to disseminate the project’s outcomes and discuss future tourism strategies. 

Through various agenda items such as panel discussions between geopark staff and experts, a video message from the General Secretary of Global Geoparks Network (GGN), and presentations of results by each business, the significance of this project was introduced to a wide audience.  

The day of the event

Our Vision Moving Forward

As interest in tourist sustainability rises, we are proceeding with providing high value-added experiences, accommodations, and meals as well as creating a system of promoting long stays. Furthermore, utilizing the capabilities of the audio guide and base facilities, we aim to establish a system that can provide deep, enriching trips that can only be experienced here, in the Oki Islands.