(JR Kyushu Senior Managing Executive Officer Yohji Furumiya (left), Ctrip Chief Marketing Officer Bo Sun (right) at the signing ceremony)

Ctrip Group, Asia’s largest online travel agency, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with JR Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu), in a partnership that promises to drive Chinese and foreign tourism to the Kyushu region. For Ctrip, the cooperation marks the company’s second with JR Railways, having signed an agreement with JR East in April 2018.

“We hope that in sharing Kyushu with more Chinese tourists, we will make valuable contributions to the region and build stronger ties between China and Kyushu,” said Yohji Furumiya, Senior Managing Executive Officer of JR Kyushu.

“Ctrip signed a partnership agreement with Oita prefecture just last month,” said Ctrip Chief Marketing Officer Bo Sun. “Kyushu is very popular among Chinese tourists, providing almost everything a tourist could hope for in a destination, from shopping opportunities to hot springs, beautiful cities and towns, and cultural experiences. Through this agreement, Ctrip will share the charm of Kyushu’s seven prefectures with more travelers, and help to increase the accessibility and convenience travel in the region. We hope that Kyushu might become one of Japan’s most desirable travel destinations for Chinese tourists.”

Kyushu has played a key role in Ctrip’s efforts to boost inbound tourism in Japan. Innovative products that improve accessibility for inbound tourists have driven tourism to the region. The JR Kyushu Rail Pass, a pass that allows free travel on almost all JR lines in Kyushu, has been available on Ctrip’s platform since last April. Furthermore, JR Kyushu has agreed to support Ctrip’s future promotion efforts with Kyushu municipalities by providing advice on popular model routes in the region, as well as resources such as its scenic D&S (Design and Story) trains.