Visit Nottinghamshire has welcomed a delegation of Japanese tour operators to the region as part of a VisitBritain familiarisation visit, showcasing the very best of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire while helping inspire future travel itineraries.
Facilitated by Visit Nottinghamshire, the visit provided an opportunity to showcase the destination’s unique heritage, attractions, hospitality and experiences to key international travel trade representatives, supporting the continued growth of inbound tourism to the East Midlands.
The delegation’s itinerary began with a private guided tour of Wollaton Hall, where guests explored centuries of history, architecture and heritage while discovering one of Nottinghamshire’s most iconic landmarks.
The group then enjoyed lunch at Bramleys Restaurant at The Orchard Hotel & Restaurant Nottingham, part of Nottingham Venues. The chefs created a specially designed Bramley apple-inspired menu to celebrate one of Nottinghamshire’s most famous exports. The Bramley apple also provided a meaningful connection between Nottinghamshire and Japan, where it has been cultivated for more than a century and is recognised for its flavour and versatility.
During the visit, the delegation received a warm Nottinghamshire welcome from Visit Nottinghamshire’s Annette Thornley and Kinga Kapias, who shared insights into the region’s visitor offer and the experiences that make Nottinghamshire a must-visit destination for Japanese travellers.
International travel trade engagement is a key part of Visit Nottinghamshire’s work to grow the destination’s profile overseas, creating opportunities for local businesses and helping place Nottinghamshire experiences on international itineraries.
By showcasing the destination first-hand, the familiarisation visit helped strengthen relationships with Japanese travel partners and highlighted the breadth of experiences available across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
A huge thank you goes to VisitBritain for making the visit possible, alongside partners at Wollaton Hall and Nottingham Venues for providing such a memorable welcome. Thanks also go to Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, for creating valuable connections during her visit to Japan and supporting this important familiarisation opportunity.
Visit Nottinghamshire looks forward to continuing to build stronger relationships with the Japanese travel trade and welcoming more visitors from Japan to the region in the years to come.
Posted on 10 July 2026
