In Kyoto, I can’t wait to see the many traditional Japanese temples that are scattered throughout the area. I’d like to see Sanjusangendo in particular, and its thousand ancient wooden statues of Kannon.

From Kyoto, we’re thinking of taking a side trip about half an hour away to the Himeji Castle. The castle is considered to be Japan’s most beautiful remaining feudal castles, and from the images that I’ve seen, it certainly seems that way.

As for our plans to see the coast, we don’t have any yet. There are so many appealing coastal towns throughout Japan, that it’s hard to find the right one. We’re looking for suggestions or hoping that we make some local friends that point us in the right direction.

Even though our plans aren’t completely sorted out, I do have three big objectives that I must do before I leave Japan: get a kimono In Kyoto, eat sushi and other Japanese delicacies straight from the Tsukiji Market, and buy a useless gadget in Akihabara – the tech Mecca of the world. The adventure is just around the corner…I cannot wait!

Update 8/13/2010: Read all about Raquel’s Japanese adventures in her post trip recap post and video!

Who would have thought, for instance, when I traveled to Portland in 2004 to help launch Northwest Airlines’ first nonstop flight from PDX to Narita International Airport in Tokyo as CEO of Northwest, that some six years later, I would be blogging about Delta Air Lines’ international flights out of Portland? First of all, that I would be doing something called “blogging,” and second, that my path would have led me to the role of CEO of Delta.

Even with the inevitable waves in the domestic and global economies over the years, changing business plans, mergers, and the ways we communicate, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc., Delta is once again providing nonstop transoceanic service from Portland to Tokyo, and now Amsterdam as well.

We understand this service is crucial to Portland, and we appreciate the proactive and innovative efforts Portland has made to ensure these flights succeed over the long term. It’s a unique partnership we’ve shared with the people of Oregon and southwestern Washington, the tourism industries there, and the people who want to see and experience Asia, Europe and beyond. This partnership includes the local International Air Service Committee which has reached out in new ways to remind everyone that these flights make a real difference in people’s lives, culturally and economically. Portland may not be the biggest market, but it’s clear it has advocates who champion its strengths, who work with real determination and originality to procure and maintain the best service possible for its citizens, its businesses and its visitors. The partnership also includes Portland’s residents who are very vocal fans of their airport and who place great value on their nonstop air service.

Just over a year ago, Delta signed an agreement with Alaska Air Group that made their airlines our preferred West Coast alliance partner. As a direct result, Delta added our first nonstop flight between Los Angeles and Sydney, Australia, and increased flight options by more than 40 percent at PDX.  We’re investing $1 billion through 2013 to improve your customer experience in the air and on the ground. We’re enhancing the B767 seats in both business and economy class with new in-seat entertainment, and we’re installing new full bed seats in business class.

And Delta has a long history of serving the West Coast. From a notable flight between Atlanta and Los Angeles in 1962 that set the record as the fastest flight between Atlanta and the West Coast, to our recent alliance with Alaska, we have always found ways to invest in our West Coast customers. And we’ll continue to do so.

Photos provided by the office of Richard Anderson

I could spend this whole post sharing impressive statistics with you — for example, the tourism industry provides more than 28,000 jobs in the Portland metro area, and overnight visitors contribute approximately $265 million annually to the Portland economy — but I think I’ll leave it up to our local business owners to share their perspectives on how international tourism impacts them.

Charles Froelick, owner of Froelick Gallery and president of the Portland Art Dealers Association, talks about how his business is directly supported by international tourism.

When you visit Portland, the food cart experience must be on your “to-eat” list. These local foodie icons have been featured in national and international culinary publications, drawing in business for cart owners such as Nong Poonsukwattana.

The hotel industry provides a great service not only to leisure and business travelers, but also to the local job market. Pedro Melendez is the Director of Engineering at the Doubletree Hotel Portland and came to Portland to build the American dream for his family.

Jeff Miller
President and CEO
Travel Portland

Photo credits: Courtesy of Travel Portland

I firmly believe that one of the best ways to make sure that we all prosper here is to support the companies and industries that provide good jobs.  For business travelers, time is money and a city without nonstop flights is not a viable corporate location.   The businesses which need those fast connections are overwhelmingly concentrated in what’s called the “traded sector,” and they are exactly the ones that bring new resources into our local economy.

Supporting the businesses that support the local economy is good for everybody.  Economic growth increases the tax revenue that pays for our schools, our public safety system and the services that help the most vulnerable people in our community. This air service provides an annual economic impact of more than $150 million and 2,000 jobs for our region.

Nonstop international flights provide ease and convenience to our overseas partners who need to conduct business in person.  And hopefully, once someone visits our beautiful region for business, they will return again to tour at their leisure.  The visitors spend money here and some of them decide to stay and bring more new investments to our community.  This strong and vital connection with the world enriches us culturally as well as economically.

There is a wonderful synergy between business travelers and leisure travelers.  Our combined purchasing power means that every year additional nonstop destinations are becoming available.  So whether you are flying for fun or flying for business, it’s a good deal.

Ted Wheeler
Chair
Multnomah County

These flights are important because they allow me to provide clients with diverse options, and they help companies save time and money — this is key to a successful business.

They are also very important for our economy, giving local businesses the opportunity to reach markets in Europe and Asia to sell their goods or services.  In the same way, having these flights gives Portland a competitive advantage when international corporations are looking to establish a headquarters in the U.S., which creates jobs … and also helps me acquire new clients!

Having this competitive edge helps boost Oregon’s entire hospitality and tourism industry.  As a previous hotel sales professional, I had the opportunity to reach out to the Asian tour market and was able to shift some tour business to Portland from other cities, not only because of the beauty of our state, but also because they were able to fly nonstop.

Having direct flights to Europe and Asia affects us all in a positive way, both directly and indirectly.  I will continue to support these flights any way I can because it makes business sense.

Thank you!

Andy Palacios
Business Development Manager
River City Travel

These travelers are enjoying the natural beauty of the area…Haystack Rock, Indian Beach, Chapman Point not to forget the scenic hiking trails from Ecola State Park to Tillamook Head and nearby Oswald West State Park just south of Cannon Beach. The local shops and art galleries add to the experience creating days of shopping opportunities. Great food is abundant as Cannon Beach hosts some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest chefs. We are looking forward to the increase of international visitors to Cannon Beach as these travel media writers share the story.

Ryan Snyder
President
Martin Hospitality

Photo credits: All photos courtesy of Martin Hospitality