About CATS

Message from the Center Director

We, Center for Advanced Tourism Studies (CATS) recognize our mission as a contribution to the advancement of tourism studies in Hokkaido University mainly through Graduate School of International Media, Communication, and Tourism Studies by implementing comprehensive advanced research on "Co-creation of Value," "Cooperation with Communities," and "International Contribution", and in addition, commitment to the resolution of diverse issues of the 21st Century.

Specifically, CATS works on tourism-based regional revitalization, transformation of the tourism industry, lifestyle innovation, international cooperation and development on tourism, among others, to contribute to the world peace, new culture creation, and realization of a mature society.

Under the principle above, we are focusing on implementation of studies and research on "tourism creation" and promoting joint studies, networking with higher education and research institutions, and researchers, in a comprehensive and advanced manner.

At the same time, we are aiming to becoming a Center of Excellence of tourism in Japan and in the world as an institute for advanced studies, by collaborations with industries and society and archiving various information regarding tourism and its dissemination.

Takayoshi Yamamura
Director, Center for Advanced Tourism Studies

Mission as a leading tourism organization

Striving to be a COE in the field of tourism

CATS aims to become a Center of Excellence in tourism studies and, together with other national research institutions, works to further tourism promotion and collaboration. The Center sponsors a study group on Tourism Creation (CATS Cooperative Research Society), which furthers academic exchange between researchers in the Tourism Studies fields.

Becoming a COC in the tourism sector

CATS seeks to be a Center of Community in Hokkaido, and utilizes cooperation agreements with local governments and public organizations to carry out joint projects that encourage regional development through tourism. We also work with high schools and universities, especially those schools designated as SSH (Super Science High School) and SGH (Super Global High School) by the Ministry of Education, to educate students about topics related to tourism.

Working to be a GCOE in tourism

CATS intends to become a Global Center of Excellence, leading the study of tourism as a global research institution, while continuing to nurture domestic tourism programs. The Center is Japan’s first official university representative in the UN Tourism, and we regularly present the results of our joint research projects at various international conferences. Working in concert with foreign universities, governmental agencies, and local governments, CATS explores topics related to new challenges faced by the tourism sector throughout the world.

Partnership Agreement

• Niseko Town (September 14, 2010)
• The Hokakido Bank, Ltd. (March 29, 2011)
• Shirakawa Village (Gifu Prefecture) (February 8, 2012)
• Biei Town (April 12, 2012)
• Furano City (September 3, 2012)
• Nanto City and PARUS (September 30, 2015)
• Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (July 8, 2016)
• Konkuk University, Research Institute of Glocal Culture Strategy / BK21-plus Fusion Communication and Cultural Contents Experts Development Service (South Korea) (February 7, 2017)
• CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy (Spain) (June 1, 2017)
• Nomura Co., Ltd (July 19, 2017)
• Hamanasu Foundation (October 25, 2018)
• Explore the Wonderland Eastern Hokkaido DMO（April 7, 2022）
• GOLDWIN Inc. (September 29, 2023)

History

Graduate School (International Media, Communication, and Tourism Studies )

See the website of Graduate School of International Media, Communication, and Tourism Studies for details about the tourism creation major including the entrance information and offered subjects.

Accredited course program, “Destination Manager Training Program”

Starting in June 2017, Graduate School is offering courses called “Destination Manager Training Program,” which is the country’s first accredited course program aimed toward training human resources for destination management organization. The curriculum is designed to teach students technical knowledge of the tourism region development process, from finding regional resources to searching for prospective customers, while instilling the high-level practical skills that are demanded of those who are at the center of destination management organization. Students in this program will spend a year talking required subjects of graduate school master’s courses, while receiving practical training by employees of active travel agencies and airline companies, or experts such as patent attorneys, lawyers, accountants, etc. for this program. After fulfilling a defined set of requirements, students will receive a university president’s certificate of graduation and the title of Destination Manager by the school.

Publicity Material (Only available in Japanese)

Click here to download the brochure