Nagasaki International University is considering setting up an IR Management Course as part of its Department of International Tourism, Faculty of Human Sociology in anticipation of an IR facility in Nagasaki.
According to the Nagasaki Shimbun, part of the course will include researching problem gambling countermeasures. The university is also considering establishing a new department.
A representative of the prefecture told IAG, “Last October, the prefecture requested that the universities of Nagasaki assist in developing talent for international tourism.”
Nagasaki International University responded to this and established a committee within the university to consider what action they could take. The committee has reviewed the situation and decided on certain policies. Currently there are no university departments within Japan specializing in IRs, so this would be the first time a department dedicated to the industry has been established.
“The IR department will likely open in 2022, but I understand that IR-related classes will be available from April this year,” the prefecture said.
Nagasaki prefecture has seen a boost in the number of inbound tourists, and aims to reach 1 million foreign visitors in 2020, up from 700,000 in 2016.
The prefecture’s request to Nagasaki International University is aimed at developing the talent needed to fill thousands of positions should Nagasaki’s IR bid prove successful.
