Alberta tourism minister heads to Asia to boost travel and trade ties

August 28, 2025

RED FM News Desk

Alberta’s tourism minister is in Asia this week on a mission to strengthen travel and trade connections with Japan and South Korea.

Andrew Boitchenko will meet with government and industry leaders in Tokyo and Seoul to highlight Alberta’s “new air gateways and world-class visitor experiences,” officials said.

The trip follows WestJet’s launch of direct flights earlier this year to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport and Seoul’s Incheon International Airport. The new routes were supported by Alberta’s Air Access Program and a memorandum of understanding with the airline.

“Alberta is ready to take centre stage in Asia’s travel market,” Boitchenko said in a statement. “By building strong ties in Tokyo and Seoul, we’re positioning the province as a top year-round destination. This mission turns global interest into real visits, inviting more travellers to discover the unique experiences Alberta has to offer.”

The province says the mission supports Alberta’s broader goal of attracting more Japanese and South Korean visitors while working toward $25 billion in annual visitor spending.