Key events such as the Rugby World Cup 2019, held in Japan from September, and the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens next April, look to draw fans from around the world.
JTB Pte Ltd (JTB) and Singapore Rugby Union (SRU) have embarked on a 12-month strategic partnership to promote rugby tourism to Japan and Singapore as both countries look ahead to a busy global sporting calendar over the next year.
Key events such as the Rugby World Cup 2019, held in Japan from September, and the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens next April, look to draw fans from around the world.
SRU President Terence Khoo commented that the partnership with JTB comes at a time where “rugby tourism is growing”.
“Japan’s hosting of RWC 2019 is a major coup for Asian rugby, as this will be a first time that it has been held in Asia,” said Khoo.
Said JTB President & CEO Shinya Kurosawa, “Japan is about to host the Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 across twelve prefectures, which will be an incredible occasion for rugby lovers in Singapore and the region to visit our country.”
Kurosawa explained that the future was particularly bright for Japan, which is experiencing a “golden era” in sports tourism. After the Rugby World Cup next year, the country will be gearing up for two consecutive global sporting events, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and the 2021 World Masters Games.
Kurosawa revealed that JTB is anticipating that demand within the Asia Pacific region, which includes developed markets like Australia and New Zealand, will bring in at least 5,000 in ticket sales. After the Australia and New Zealand, he names Singapore, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Malaysia as top regional source markets for rugby action.
As the official travel agency for the Rugby World Cup 2019, JTB will be offering 12 travel packages, inclusive of tickets for two matches and two nights accommodation with breakfast. For diehards fans, a premium package will include match access to two semi-finals, the bronze final and the finals.