JAPANESE ambassador, His Excellency Hajime Hayashi, and his wife, were guests of honour to mark the launch of The Valley’s Blossom River Cruise.
The cruise is a new idea by The Valley, which will took visitors on a scenic journey along the River Avon, showcasing the beauty of the county and its stunning landscapes.
The Japanese Ambassador’s visit to The Valley is a significant milestone in the retail and leisure Destinations efforts to promote tourism.
Japan has always been a significant market for UK tourism, and the Ambassador’s presence at the launch of The Valleys Blossom River Cruise is a clear indication of the importance of the region’s efforts to attract Japanese tourists.
Speaking about the visit, Phil Maclean, director at The Valley, said: “The visit represents a significant step in forming a relationship with the Japanese Embassy and we look forward to the future possibilities that this visit could bring for our region.”
The three days of boat excursions were successfully managed with the assistance of the Avon Navigation Trust, and the esteemed Avon Boating company, who graciously received and transported more than 500 passengers.
Following the visit, Evesham’s MP and Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston took the delegation to the Lygon Arms in Broadway where they enjoyed traditional afternoon tea and had a walk around local shops.
“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Ambassador Hayashi and his wife to my constituency and to share with them the beauty of the Blossom Trail,” he said.
“This visit highlights the strong ties between the UK and Japan and the importance of cultural exchange and tourism in promoting understanding and cooperation between our two countries.”
He added: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Phil and the team at The Valley – Evesham for their hard work in organising this event, which was a great success and a testament to the beauty of our region and the warm hospitality of our people.”
