OCVB invites private investors to bid for new business plans

The Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCVB) is inviting private sector investors and companies to bid for new business projects “promoting tourism in the northern areas of Okinawa.” Both domestic and overseas investors are welcome.

The projects that the bureau wants to proceed with are: 1. to manage a high-speed passenger ferry that can connect Wakasa in Naha to the Ocean Expo Park in Motobu in 50 minutes, 2. To build and operate a 10-kilometer-long ropeway running above the hills from Nago to Motobu and Nakijin. If realized, it would be the longest in the world, and 3. a large scaled renovation of the Busena Underwater Observatory in Nago.

The OCVB estimates total cost of the three projects at about ¥33 billion. The bureau plans to formally announce opening the projects for bids early next year. All three are expected to open for businesses by 2021.

OCVB has hold monthly meetings with the tourism associations from the northern areas since May to work out the details. The aim is to increase the number of tourists who stay and use their money in the northern areas, and  to strengthen the business in the area without counting on budget from the central government Japan or Okinawa Prfecture.

02:04 29 Mar , 2024