NEWS

On May 18, 2026, APU and the Tourism Oita Corporation officially signed a comprehensive partnership agreement. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Hisatsugu Wada, Chairperson of Tourism Oita, and APU President Hiroshi Yoneyama, who signed the agreement. This marks the first comprehensive partnership agreement for Tourism Oita.

Tourism Oita, as the prefectural Destination Management Organization (DMO), has been promoting tourism development in Oita Prefecture through initiatives such as marketing, information dissemination, tourism human resource development, and regional collaboration. Meanwhile, APU has advanced international education and research within a multicultural environment, fostering talent in fields including tourism, sustainability, and regional collaboration.

Through this agreement, APU’s global perspective and academic strengths will be integrated with Tourism Oita’s regional networks and practical expertise. This collaboration will create new opportunities that connect education, research, and practical experience. It aims to expand opportunities for students and local tourism stakeholders to learn together, contributing to sustainable tourism development and regional revitalization in Oita Prefecture, as well as to the development of future leaders in the tourism industry.

Areas of Collaboration

1. Development of human resources contributing to the advancement of tourism
2. Regional revitalization and solutions to social challenges through tourism in Oita Prefecture
3. Development and dissemination of educational programs utilizing the expertise of both parties
4. Mutual exchange of human resources
5. Other initiatives agreed upon to achieve the objectives of this agreement

Examples of Key Initiatives

1. Educational Collaboration and Lectures

Tourism Oita staff will participate as guest lecturers in APU’s tourism and business courses, delivering lectures on topics such as the role of DMOs, practical tourism development, and the use of tourism data.

2. Field-Based Learning and Internships

Students will visit tourist destinations within the prefecture to analyze visitor trends, regional resources, and local business initiatives. Through this fieldwork, they will identify challenges and develop solutions, alongside expanded internship opportunities in the tourism sector.

3. Utilization of Tourism Data Platforms

The “Oita Tourism Data Catalog” will be used as an educational and research resource to support analysis of regional issues using visitor data and social media analytics, thereby deepening research activities.

4. Tourism Human Resource Development Programs

In collaboration with the “Oita Tourism University” program organized by Tourism Oita, opportunities will be created for APU students, tourism businesses, local government officials, and DMO staff to learn together.

5. Joint Research and Policy Proposals

The two parties will promote joint research in tourism human resource development and regional tourism management. The outcomes will be shared with DMOs and tourism-related businesses across the prefecture, with the aim of contributing to future tourism policies, recommendations, and academic outputs.

Comments from Representatives

Hiroshi Yoneyama, President, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Since its establishment in 2000, APU has systematically engaged in education and research in the field of tourism. In 2023, we launched the College of Sustainability and Tourism, the only faculty in Oita Prefecture specializing in tourism, promoting practical human resource development in collaboration with local communities through integrated education in tourism and sustainability. The college has received the international tourism education certification “TedQual,” demonstrating its globally recognized quality.
This agreement connects Tourism Oita’s extensive experience in tourism development in Oita with APU’s academic foundation and diverse human resources, including faculty and students. Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute together to the further development of the Oita region through sustainable tourism.

Hisatsugu Wada, Chairperson, Tourism Oita

Collaboration with universities plays a vital role in both developing future tourism professionals and addressing regional challenges. APU possesses a strong academic environment for tourism studies through its College of Sustainability and Tourism, as well as a highly international student body. These strengths are highly valuable for tourism promotion in Oita Prefecture.
As a prefectural DMO, Tourism Oita has been working on tourism development and human resource training across the region. Through this agreement, we aim to create a cycle linking education, research, and practice by connecting students, universities, and local tourism stakeholders. We look forward to deepening tourism promotion and regional collaboration in Oita through our partnership with APU.