The Kyoto branch of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (Branch Chief Oike Fumiaki, Comtours) and the Kyoto Prefecture Association of Travel Agents (Chairman Oike Fumiaki) held a New Year's greeting party on January 18th at the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City. 260 people attended. Chairman Oike said, "Last year's buzzword was 'sontaku', but I would like to run the association with consideration for the feelings of our members. This year is the year of the dog. As the saying goes, the year of the dog is a time of laughter, so I would like to make it a year filled with laughter." After this, House of Representatives member and Kyoto Prefecture Association of Travel Agents adviser Ibuki Fumiaki requested, "Many foreign tourists visit Kyoto. Travel agents in Kyoto are responsible for sending those foreigners to other prefectures. I would like the government to take the lead in running a campaign to encourage people in Kyoto to travel to other prefectures." Governor Keiji Yamada of Kyoto Prefecture said, "As many foreigners visit Kyoto as inbound tourists, problems such as private lodgings, illegal taxis, and staff shortages at hotels and inns have become evident. I would like to tackle these issues and build a vibrant Kyoto." Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa of Kyoto City said, "I have been mayor for 10 years. Kyoto City's tax revenue has fallen by 15 billion yen since then. I would like to think about revitalizing tourism and traditional industries and leading to a richer life for citizens. Regarding private lodgings, we will deal with this by establishing the strictest ordinance in the country." Next, Vice Chairman Suemitsu Nagano of the Japan Travel Association called for participation in the Domestic Tourism Revitalization Forum to be held in Kochi Prefecture on February 14th, and President Mikio Nakama of Japan Travel Association reported that Kyoto's sales of Zenryo coupons were 580 million yen, ranking 15th in the country, and appealed for cooperation and understanding for the project. The social gathering began with a toast led by Kyoto Kizunakai Secretary Ippei Hattori, and each person deepened their exchange.