The Japan Tourism Agency’s “JSTS-D” logo has been approved for upgrade to the international version! The new logo will include “+International Certification” to indicate regions that meet international standards.
Following its selection as one of the world’s Top 100 Stories, Yanagawa’s sustainable tourism is moving to the next stage.
The Yanagawa City Tourism Association (Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture), which acquired the Japan Tourism Agency’s “Japan Sustainable Tourism Guidelines (JSTS-D)” logo mark on December 5, 2024, has been approved for an upgrade to an international version logo mark with “+International Certification,” certifying that the region meets international standards, following its selection as one of the “Top 100 Stories 2026” by the international NGO “Green Destinations.”
Topics
① The JSTS-D logo has been upgraded to “+International Certification”.
The basic logo, which was acquired in 2024, has been upgraded to the “International Logo Mark,” which is proof that it has met the international evaluation standards certified by GSTC.
② Third-party evaluations by international organizations provide support.
Yanagawa’s initiative to preserve and utilize its canals, with citizens, businesses, and the local government working together, has been selected as one of the world’s best practices (Top 100 Stories) by the international NGO “Green Destinations,” officially recognizing it as a tourist area that meets international standards.
Regarding the upgrade of the JSTS-D logo
The “Japan Sustainable Tourism Guidelines (JSTS-D)” formulated by the Japan Tourism Agency are in accordance with the Global Sustainable Tourism Standards (GSTC).
The Yanagawa City Tourism Association obtained approval for the “Basic Version” on December 5, 2024, and has been working towards sustainable tourism management. With this international recognition achievement of being selected as one of the “Top 100 Stories,” the logo has been upgraded to a higher-level logo mark with the “+International Certification” notation, which is awarded to regions that meet international standards.
Going forward, we will utilize this international logo for external communication and branding, and communicate the true charm of Yanagawa, a water town, to domestic and international travelers who value consideration for the environment and local culture.
Information on future developments and media coverage
Strengthening international branding and information dissemination
We will display the international logo on our official website, promotional materials for both domestic and international markets, business cards, etc., and strengthen our PR efforts to promote our destination as a highly reliable sustainable tourism destination to travelers both domestically and internationally, including those from Europe, North America, and Australia, who value environmental considerations and respect for local culture.
Creating sustainable tourism in a community-wide effort
Taking this logo upgrade as an opportunity, we will further deepen our collaboration with local businesses and citizens, and promote urban development that creates a positive cycle between the economic benefits of tourism and the preservation of living conditions and the water environment.
For media inquiries regarding this matter, please contact:
Yanagawa City Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) Contact Person: Ujiie
TEL: 0944-88-9027 E-mail: dmo@yanagawa-net.com
