Adventure Tourism Utilizing Flying Cars

Flying cars, which are attracting attention as a mobility solution for the near future, have the potential to bring about major changes not only in urban transportation and logistics but also in the tourism sector. Among these, the connection with adventure tourism (AT)—experiential tourism set against the backdrop of nature and culture—will be the key to opening up new markets. In this article, I would like to discuss: (1) the affinity between flying cars and AT, (2) the innovation of experiential value, (3) the potential for regional revitalization, and (4) challenges and prospects.

1. The Affinity Between Flying Cars and AT
AT is defined as experiential tourism that centers on 'nature, culture, and activities.' Flying cars can serve as a medium that connects these three elements in three dimensions. For example, by connecting regions that have previously had limited access, such as mountainous areas and remote islands, in a short time, tourism options will expand dramatically. Furthermore, the movement itself is an extraordinary experience, and the ride itself can be commercialized as an 'adventure' tourism product.

2. Innovation of Experiential Value
While traditional tourism placed value on 'reaching' a destination, the use of flying cars makes the 'movement itself' an experiential value.

• Views from the sky: Landscapes viewed from above, such as the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea's many islands or the Aso Caldera, provide a special sense of wonder.

• Integration of movement and activities: By combining flight travel with trekking or diving, multi-layered adventure programs become possible.

• Appeal to the luxury market: For affluent travelers seeking efficient yet special travel experiences in a limited amount of time, flying cars offer the ultimate premium experience.

3. Potential for Regional Revitalization
The spread of flying cars has the power to attract new tourism demand to regions that have previously been considered 'far away' or 'inconvenient'.

• Revitalization of remote islands and hilly and mountainous areas: Regions where difficulty of access was a bottleneck can transform into new tourism hubs.

• Formation of wide-area tourism routes: By connecting urban areas with rural areas, and the sea with the mountains in a short time, it becomes possible to create wide-area AT programs that span multiple regions.

• Creation of new industries: Tourism and industrial promotion will be linked through the use of local airports and heliports, and the training of specialized personnel such as pilots and mechanics.

4. Challenges and Prospects
However, there are many challenges to using flying cars for AT.

• Ensuring safety: Dealing with weather conditions and risk management in emergencies is essential.

• Development of legal systems: It will be necessary to clarify relationships with the Civil Aeronautics Act and the Road Traffic Act, set flight routes, and design insurance systems.

• Environmental impact: Consideration for fuel consumption and noise countermeasures is required. Electrification and improved quietness are directly linked to sustainability.

• Pricing: Currently, it is expensive, and a gradual introduction from the luxury market would be realistic for widespread adoption.

Flying cars have the potential to add a new dimension to adventure tourism: 'making the movement itself an adventure.' This is an idea that goes beyond traditional tourism infrastructure and can be an opportunity for regions to turn 'inconvenience' into a 'strength.' Moving forward, while ensuring safety and establishing systems, it is desirable to accumulate demonstration experiments in model regions and develop this as a three-in-one strategy for tourism, industry, and regional development.

Author:Tsunehiro Hayashi (Professor, Faculty of Management, Okayama University of Science)

For the Japan Tourism Agency's adventure tourism page, click here

. For the Kibi Open Innovation Association website, click here

For the Setouchi City Tourism Association website, click here

For the Japan Adventure Tourism Association website, click here