THE growing attraction of eco-tourism and Cairns' position in the expanding market has been highlighted by two Japanese tour groups. 

Two inaugural tours, targeting school students and eco-conscious travellers from Japan, provide evidence that interest from the Japanese market to visit Cairns remains strong, according to Japanese tour wholesaler JTB.

Cairns and the surrounding World Heritage areas were chosen by JTB to launch its global "green" initiative, called Lovearth.

Lovearth is based on eco-friendly holidays for Japanese tourists and its launch in Cairns bodes well for a region desperately trying to remain high on the Japanese travel agenda.

A JTB spokesman said publicity gained from the tour would be used to promote the Lovearth travel experiences throughout Japan, showcasing Cairns as the lead destination for eco holidays around the world.

Tourism Australia and JTB collaborated with a radio station in Osaka to promote the tour package and it sold out within minutes of going to air.

More than 100 people are involved in the first visit to Cairns, led by a popular radio DJ, Makoto Ashizawa.

Their itinerary includes three eco programs: planting trees at Kuranda, a Great Barrier Reef cruise to learn about marine biology and carbon offset schemes in co-operation with the Green Power Certification Council, Japan.

It is the first overseas tour from Japan to include a carbon offset scheme.

Tourism Australia managing director Geoff Buckley said the new marketing campaign to highlight Australia’s World Heritage sites was launched in Japan after research showed that nature was one of the core appeals for Japanese travellers. "The campaign focused on promoting the experiences of Australia’s world heritage areas and their accessibility," Mr Buckley said.

"Since the World Heritage campaign was launched, it has secured very positive trade involvement, an increase in consumer awareness and growth in bookings."

Meanwhile, at the weekend a new era in school excursions began in Queensland when 150 students from Kosei High School arrived.

Fifty of the students will extend their stay for one month in order to attend a local private school and experience a home stay.

The program, to which Kosei has committed for three years, enables students to immerse themselves in the Australian culture and English language.

Taking advantage of the Japanese summer school holiday in July and August, this is the first time this format of school excursion has been offered.

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