Tokyo Big Sight Takes Center Stage as Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 Unveils ‘The Changing Nature of Travel’ Theme
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The Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) has unveiled the outlines for Tourism EXPO Japan (TEJ) 2026, with the theme of ‘The Changing Nature of Travel’. Set to take place from September 24 to 27, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight, this event will bring together global tourism stakeholders, offering exhibitions, business meetings, and conferences. TEJ 2026 is expected to draw around 180,000 visitors over its four-day run, a number similar to the 2024 edition, despite the event being held in a smaller exhibition space due to ongoing renovations at the venue.
As the largest tourism event in Japan, TEJ 2026 will be a comprehensive showcase of travel trends, innovations, and the future of tourism. This year’s event will also be co-held with Travel Solution 2026, targeting tourism operators, and VIST JAPAN Travel & MICE Mart 2026, focusing on the inbound travel market. These additions will expand the event’s reach and foster deeper engagement with both the domestic and international travel sectors.
A Hub for Both Domestic and International Travel Markets
TEJ 2026 will provide an expansive platform for both domestic and outbound tourism markets. For domestic tourism, the event will feature large-scale exhibitions promoting GREEN×EXPO 2027 Yokohama and celebrating the 30th anniversary of the World Heritage registration for Miyajima, Hiroshima. Miyajima, with its iconic torii gate floating on the waters, remains one of Japan’s most significant cultural and tourism landmarks, and the exhibition will highlight its enduring allure and efforts to preserve the island’s natural beauty.
For the outbound tourism market, countries like Portugal will have expanded exhibition spaces, 1.5 times larger than before, providing an opportunity for Portuguese tourism authorities to promote their cultural destinations and growing travel market in Japan. Morocco and Sweden will also return, showcasing their unique tourism offerings, from Morocco’s rich cultural experiences to Sweden’s stunning natural landscapes and sustainable tourism initiatives.
However, some regions will not be allowed to participate due to Travel Warning Level 3 restrictions. Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan will not be allowed to exhibit, in accordance with the event organizer’s policy to exclude regions under heightened safety advisories. Despite this, TEJ 2026 will continue to feature a diverse range of global destinations, helping foster international tourism collaboration and discussions.
Special Exhibitions: Wellness, Gastronomy, Cruise, and Adventure
In addition to the usual exhibitions and regional pavilions, TEJ 2026 will introduce new spaces focused on specialized themes. The TEJ Collection will feature special exhibition areas dedicated to wellness and gastronomy, both sectors experiencing significant growth in global tourism. The wellness tourism industry, which includes spa resorts, holistic therapies, and health-related travel experiences, has become an increasingly popular segment for health-conscious travelers. Gastronomy tourism, likewise, has surged as more people seek authentic culinary experiences, which Japan, with its world-renowned food culture, is uniquely positioned to offer.
Furthermore, the event will also emphasize the growing popularity of cruise tourism and adventure travel, two sectors that are revolutionizing global travel dynamics. Japan, surrounded by scenic coastlines, has seen a rise in international cruise arrivals, and the exhibition will provide insights into the evolving cruise tourism market. Similarly, with more travelers seeking thrilling and immersive experiences, adventure tourism is becoming a critical focus for destinations looking to tap into the experiential travel market.
Business Meetings and International Conferences
One of the primary objectives of TEJ 2026 is to facilitate business opportunities and discussions on the future of travel. The organizer aims to host 6,200 business meetings, bringing together Japanese sellers and foreign buyers in the inbound tourism sector, as well as Japanese buyers and foreign sellers in the outbound tourism market. Additionally, meetings between third-party countries will further expand networking and collaboration within the tourism industry.
The TEJ Conference will feature two distinct parts. The first will include tourism ministers from around the world, who will present their respective countries’ tourism policies and strategies. This session is expected to highlight global tourism trends, challenges, and opportunities, and will provide valuable insights into how countries are adjusting to the rapidly evolving travel landscape.
The second part of the conference will include discussions from major international tourism organizations, such as the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). These organizations will explore today’s tourism trends, focusing on how the industry is adapting to post-pandemic realities, the rise of sustainable travel, and innovations in the tourism sector.
Admission Fees and Future Tourism Human Resources
For those wishing to attend the exhibition, the general admission fee will increase by 200 yen, bringing the cost to 1,500 yen for same-day tickets and 1,200 yen for advance tickets. This slight increase reflects the rising labor costs and inflation affecting the event’s organization. However, students, including high school students, will continue to be admitted free of charge with prior registration, as part of the event’s commitment to fostering the next generation of tourism professionals.
Japan’s tourism industry recognizes the need for long-term growth, and TEJ 2026 will play a crucial role in preparing future tourism human resources by offering students and young professionals access to the latest trends, industry leaders, and global networking opportunities.
A Platform for Shaping the Future of Global Travel
Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 is set to be a landmark event, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of global travel and the direction it is heading. With its focus on emerging tourism sectors such as wellness, gastronomy, and adventure, combined with the ongoing discussion of sustainable travel and industry innovation, TEJ 2026 will help define the future of tourism for years to come.
