21 October Three Lucky ATIA Members Win Fukushima Famil After Strong Interest in Competition October 21, 2025 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 Three lucky winners have been selected from more than 100 entries to ATIA’s competition offering a complementary famil trip to Fukushima prefecture in a sign of strong interest in Japanese travel. Sophie Lin of Reho Study Tours, Simone Thannhauser of CT Connections and Charisma McDonald of Global Travel Co will accompany ATIA’s Director of Membership & Industry Affairs Richard Taylor on the 5-day, 6-night tour beginning on November 3rd. The famil will include the sights and sounds of the prefecture including sampling Japanese tea, painting, unique dishes and a Samurai Armour Experience. The famil is the first major initiative of its new corporate partnership with Japan’s Fukushima prefecture and reflects growing demand among Australian travelers for authentic experiences that extend beyond Japan’s traditional tourism hotspots. The group will also visit the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, and meet with government officials to better understand the region’s recovery since the events of 2011. QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP AND INDUSTRY AFFAIRS, RICHARD TAYLOR “We were delighted to receive so many entries from our members for this special trip, and those entries were accompanied by some terrific stories. Our winners, selected by Fukushima to attend, represent true industry diversity including someone in their very first year in travel, and they’ll play a vital role in educating others about this fabulous destination. “Our Destination Famils program was set up for exactly these kinds of opportunities, and I would urge members to visit our website and join our notification list for upcoming trips.” Related Articles Three ATIA Members Can Win a Famil to Fukushima Courtesy of ATIA’s New Japanese Partnership The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced the first major initiative of its new corporate partnership with Japan’s Fukushima prefecture, offering three travel industry members the opportunity to join a hosted familiarisation trip to the region in November. ATIA Delivering for All Members, Including Travel Advisors - Multiple channels ensure every member group has a strong voice and tangible support The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has reaffirmed that everything it does is shaped by the voices of its members. From policy advocacy to accreditation to tailored industry support, ATIA ensures members’ perspectives directly guide priorities, decisions, and outcomes across the sector. ATIA Calls for Stronger Support for Travel Businesses in Federal Election With Australia’s airfares surging — up 13% nationally and as much as 95% on key routes — travellers are paying the price for a market dominated by just two airline groups controlling 98% of domestic passengers. ATIA’s Renewal Rockstar winners named Nineteen ATIA accredited travel businesses from across Australia are celebrating today after being named as Renewal Rockstars. ATIA unveils game-changing initiatives at inaugural Beyond Borders Summit The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced a series of landmark initiatives aimed at reshaping Australia’s travel sector at the first-ever Beyond Borders Summit in Sydney. ATIA members' voices to be heard in new Parliament after strong advocacy campaign With votes cast in the 2025 federal election and the new parliament taking shape, ATIA members are in a strong position to continue advocating for measures to keep our industry strong. Showing 0 Comment