On March 15, Deputy Minister Tanaka attended the “Commemorative Lecture Celebrating the Opening of the UNWTO-RSOAP Tokyo Liaison Office” and Parliamentary Vice-Minister Fujii attended the "Opening Ceremony" and they both gave addresses on behalf of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
 
In his address, Deputy Minister Tanaka said, “Opening the Tokyo liaison office will strengthen cooperation between local governments in various parts of Japan and offices in Tokyo and by setting up a liaison office in the headquarters of the United Nations, we can become more active in our cooperation with other specialized agencies as part of the United Nations family.”
 
In his address, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Fujii said, "Tourism is now an important pillar of our growth strategy and is positioned as the key to regional revitalization. The integrated efforts of the public and private sectors are actively promoting tourism, and the Japanese government is looking forward to the further enhancement of the functions of the UNWTO under the leadership of UNWTO Secretary-General Dr. Taleb Rifai and Mr. Hompo, Cheif of RSOAP（UNWTO Regional Support Office for Asia and the Pacific）