The working group coordinators presented a summary of discussions from the three working groups, and lastly, the Summit Declaration was announced by Ms. Yolanda Perdomo, former Director of the UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme. The Summit Declaration included an affirmation by leaders from ONSEN areas around the world to contribute to development of ONSEN areas by utilizing the knowledge and networks gained at the Summit, and to promote uses for ONSEN in the three areas of tourism; medical, health & beauty; and energy. In addition, the leaders declared to continue the Summit as a forum for ongoing information exchange and discussion. The Summit Declaration was approved with great applause by Summit participants.
We, the leaders of the world's ONSEN, gathered information on and actively discussed the theme of the "Possibility of Regional Development by Worldwide ONSEN Locations" at the "International ONSEN Summit" held in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan. In the future, we hope that people from across the world will begin to use ONSEN and understand its charm. In order to further develop the world's ONSEN, we will make appeals to the world on the following points to declare our intent to implement them.
We will use the examples of practical applications for ONSEN culture and ONSEN resources, the specialized knowledge concerning the natural blessings that are ONSEN resources, and the networks we gained with various organizations at this Summit to the fullest extent. In addition to endeavoring to create an ONSEN related database, we will contribute to the world's ONSEN locations while creating new values for ONSEN and striving for mutual exchange.
Tourism is a transformative tool, and has the capability of reducing poverty, wealth and gender inequality, preserving culture, protecting of tangible and intangible heritage. It can also promote environmental, social, and economic progress and sustainability.
ONSEN are an important natural and cultural resource in the tourism field. In addition to working to improve environmental awareness and preserving the natural blessings that are ONSEN resources, we will aim to enhance charms of each region by differentiating the regional specialties, and create ONSEN tourism even more people can enjoy.
ONSEN are an incredibly beneficial resource in the medical, health, and beauty fields. We will propel research via industrial, academic, and government cooperation and promote use of ONSEN in these fields as a resource for all humanity while conveying information about the new possibilities and charms of ONSEN. Especially, it is notable that the use of ONSEN has expanded to wellness field (health promotion and beauty) in addition to cure (medical treatment).
ONSEN are a resource whose application as an energy source is expected to grow. As we enter into the age of energy diversification, we will continue to advance sustainable use and application of ONSEN, including protecting ONSEN resources, using ONSEN energy in a variety of fields such as power generation, local air conditioning, and thermal use with agriculture and fishery while aiming for harmony with the natural environment.
We, with the purposes mentioned, will continuously hold the Summit in order for leaders of the world's ONSEN to share information and discuss with each other.
We declare the above.
May 26th, 2018
