Kyoto welcomes new airline schedule

The Kyoto Convention Bureau has welcomed the announcement of a new international flight schedule to Kansai International Airport. Peach Aviation, Japan’s first dedicated low cost airline carrier, has announced its international summer timetable and that it had been successful in its application for flight approval through the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to fly into Kansai International Airport. From May 8 2012, there will be one flight per day from Osaka (Kansai) to Seoul, Korea, increasing to three flights per day in July. Flights from Hong Kong to Osaka will commence on July 1 2012 and flights to Taipei will start on September 30 2012. Kyoto is one of the most accessible cities in Japan thanks to its proximity to Kansai International Airport and its location on the Shinkansen bullet train line. James Kent, international marketing manager at Kyoto Convention Bureau says the new timetable will increase the popularity of Kyoto, particularly with organisers of academic meetings. He says: “Japan is an attractive destination for academic organisations because of its scholastic credentials. The historic city of Kyoto is the birthplace of Japanese culture and we are seeing a growing number of academic meetings being held in the city because of the rich history. Infrastructure also plays an important role when organisers choose a destination. The launch of the new service from Peach will make it even easier for people to be part of events in Kyoto thanks to the improved access. It is a gateway between Japan and other Asian countries which will have a positive impact on the whole region. We look forward to welcoming more new visitors to the city.”