“The XR RIDE & AI Guide” selected in the Japan Tourism Agency’s subsidy programs: “Development Promotion Project of Regional Tourism Resources into Content for Tourism Demand Dispersion (New Creation Category)”!

The project OUGI Inc. involved in was selected in a subsidy program of the Japan Tourism Agency. It is called “Development Promotion Project of Regional Tourism Resources into Content for Tourism Demand Dispersion”, and our project is in the New Creation Category. Our project is titled “Development of Shore Excursion Tour for Affluent Inbound Tourists Using The XR RIDE Bus & AI Guide”. OUGI will participate as a partner company, and OKINAWA TOYOTA MOTOR Co., Ltd. will do as an implementing entity.

The overview of “the Development Promotion Project of Regional Tourism Resources into Content for Tourism Demand Dispersion” of the Japan Tourism Agency is explained as follows.

This program aims to promote supplying Tourism contents for inbound tourism demand dispersion. To achieve that goal, it is expected that content contributes to 1) spreading the economic benefits by tourism throughout the country, 2) effectively expanding tourism consumption, and 3) leading to the leveling out of tourism demand by sustained efforts to attract tourists to regional areas. Therefore, this program provides comprehensive support for local governments, DMOs, private-sector businesses, etc. to develop tourism content utilizing diverse local resources, disseminate information, and develop sales channels, etc. Furthermore, this program will provide focused support for high-value tourism content featuring enhanced quality for inbound travelers and tourism content development in the gastronomy sector expected to generate ripple effects for local industries, etc. (*1)

Through this selected project, OUGI aims to contribute to the local economy by developing a tour to experience the local food and culture in Miyakojima Island. OUGI plans to create a narrative where participants unravel the mystery behind the beauty of the local ocean known as “Miyako Blue”, savor the local food unique to a Coral Island, and watch traditional island dances showing the reverence for water.

The number of large cruise ships calling at Miyakojima is currently increasing, however, existing shore excursions are primarily of group tours using standard large buses and going to large shopping malls or scenic spots for sightseeing. These tours lack a sense of luxury, travel comfort, and exclusive experiences, and it is pointed out as a challenge that those tours are unlikely to generate significant economic benefits for the local area.
Therefore, to tackle that challenge, OUGI decided to include the following points in the developing tour.

• Through a combination of dialogue with a dedicated tour guide and an AI guide on the “The XR RIDE” bus, along with visual and musical presentations, participants gain a fun and deep understanding of Miyakojima’s history and attractions while traveling.
• Savoring creative French cuisine featuring ingredients unique to Miyakojima—such as island vegetables nurtured by hard water filtered through coral— and watching a performance of “Kuicha”, a traditional dance unique to the Miyako Islands, participants experience firsthand the importance of water.
• By touring a distillery producing “Imuge”, which is a spirit made from purple sweet potato and sugarcane, beloved by common “Ryukyuans”, and supports the island’s economy, participants enjoy a tasting.
• While wearing a handmade dress by Miyakojima housewives from a repurposed “furisode (long-sleeved kimono)” during the tour, participants immerse themselves in Japanese tradition. (Accompanied by a dedicated photographer.)

After the announcement of being selected, OUGI aims to launch sales by the end of 2026 for shore excursions targeting affluent travelers on cruise ships scheduled to call at Miyakojima.

（*1）
The website of the Japan Tourism Agency “Development Promotion Project of Regional Tourism Resources into Content for Tourism Demand Dispersion” (in Japanese)
https://juyobunsan.go.jp/