On May 12, town leaders, mayors, and other high-ranking staff from all over Wakayama Prefecture gathered at the prefecture-wide mayoral assembly to exchange opinions. The event took place at the Prefecture Council Building, where topics like stimulation of the tourism industry and regional development were debated. Tanabe City Mayor, Mr Manago Mitsutoshi, proposed a plan regarding an intra-prefectural means of transportation foreign tourists. In response, Wakayama Prefecture Mayor Nisaka Yoshinobu pledged to move forward with the plan at a prefectural level.
In regard to tourism, which was on the agenda for discussion, Mayor Mitsutoshi commented in regard to his plan, "It is remarkable how
the number of foreign tourists has increased, but there's still room for improvement. If the number of travelers who come for long-term stays are to increase, development of an easy-to-navigate, reasonably priced, comfortable means of transportation within the prefecture is essential. I wonder if we can't get the prefecture to link up with tourism related municipalities to get the project going."
Mayor of Kozagawa Town, Mr. Takeo Takeda, explained that town facilities for slaughtering and processing game meat intended for human consumption had begun operations. The facilities are aiming to partner with a pet food producer located in Hyogo Prefecture who will collect meat and other parts fit for human consumption. Mayor Takeda also discussed the possibility of cooperating with local leather smiths to process the hides of hunted animals. Mr. Tatsuo Kamatsuka, Prefectural Director of Forests, Agriculture, and Fisheries, suggested the possibility of utilizing the skills of local leather smiths to produce key chains and other small goods.
In regard to regional development, Head of the Wakayama Prefecture Planning Department, Mr. Ichiro Takase, explained that a comprehensive strategy and long term vision incorporating the projected population outlook until 2060 will be decided at the end of this May. Kitayama Town Mayor Susumu Okuda commented, "It's not only the projected numbers, but it's important that we consider how to improve the quality of life for citizens in this region. When you speak about regional development, I think the substance of both urban areas and those tucked away into the mountains will change. However, people who can live in a place because they have peace of mind are able to establish roots and become active. We must move forward while incorporating disaster planning and countermeasures."
Original Article: http://www.agara.co.jp/modules/dailynews/article.php?storyid=294220
Translation of the names may not be 100% accurate. Regardless, this is great news for future visitors to Wakayama Prefecture!
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