On April 18th, the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) will hold the "Cruise B2B Workshop - Cruise Industry Professionals Gather Here" in a conference room at JATA Headquarters. A total of 25 companies will exhibit, including two Japanese shipping companies, seven foreign shipping companies, seven GSAs (sales agents) and PSAs (designated sales agents), and 11 travel agencies. The workshop will provide the latest information and networking opportunities that will lead to increased sales of cruise products. Okubo Hideo, Deputy Director of the JATA Overseas Travel Promotion Department, described the current cruise situation as "very good," and said that while Japanese ships and foreign ship cruises departing and arriving in Japan are doing well, fly-and-cruises are often affected by the weak yen and high prices as an issue. Participation is being invited from businesses and local governments that have not previously handled cruises.