Zenbird Editorial TeamThe prominent Japanese hospitality company, Hoshino Resorts, is joins the rising tide of tourism by offering eco-tours in the lush locales of Iriomote Island and the northern part of Okinawa Island, Yanbaru, a significant development since they were designated as World Natural Heritage Sites in 2021.
The Iriomote Island Hotel, lauded as Japan’s inaugural eco-tourism resort, and its coastal cousin, Hoshinoya Okinawa, are spearheading these eco-conscious tours. Participants venture through verdant forests and dive deep into the regions’ unique biodiversity, guided by local experts who breathe life into the ecology with their profound knowledge.
These ventures, however, are more than just perambulating amid flora and fauna. The hotels have made a mindful commitment to the environment, meticulously limiting the tour durations and participant numbers to minimize ecological strain. More than a mere business proposition, these eco-tours champion the ethos of ‘social good’ by making a tangible positive impact on the local communities and the island’s natural ecosystem.
In a compelling twist, the resorts plan to further evolve the tours by summer 2023, introducing participants to a broader range of ecosystems. This strategic move is to proactively encourage ‘responsible tourism,’ a concept gradually gaining momentum amid the ongoing global dialogue on environmental sustainability.
In 2021, Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Iriomote Island, and Yanbaru in northern Okinawa Island joined the distinguished register of World Natural Heritage Sites. These sites, recognized for their remarkable organisms and ecosystems, have placed a spotlight on sustainable practices, urging travelers to move beyond passive observation to active conservation efforts.
The fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, while reducing the influx of travelers worldwide, had an unexpected silver lining. The natural environment began recuperating and areas previously overrun with tourists experienced a newfound tranquility. This situation has ignited a quest for innovative approaches to tourism, catalyzing the rise of sustainable and responsible travel models.
Hoshino Resorts is at the forefront of this transition. Balancing economic and social values through their CSV management, they are harnessing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework for creating a holistic experience for travelers. This approach is expected to contribute to key SDGs, such as quality education, marine conservation, and terrestrial protection.
The Iriomote Island Hotel offers an unparalleled experience of Japan’s last frontier. Visitors can immerse themselves in the subtropical forest that thrives due to the island’s high annual rainfall, discovering various ecosystems, including jungles, rivers, and mangroves. The endemic and endangered species on the island offer insights into the unique evolution of the region’s biodiversity.
The innovative “Iriomote Wildcat Trace Tour” is an example of the transformative experiences on offer, allowing guests to delve into the lives of Iriomote wildcats via various traces left behind in the wilderness. Hoshino Resorts also plans to launch a night tour in collaboration with local guides by summer 2023, further enhancing the potential for exploration while respecting the local environment.
