Considering activity plans that connect visitors with people and treasures, and introducing a new means of transportation

The brand concept of Niijima that emerged after multiple island meetings is "an island that connects with the new." Niijima is dotted with "treasures": beautiful scenery and great spots for engaging in activities. The relationships that visitors can build with Niijima residents--open-minded people who are accepting of visitors--are another draw of the island. On the other hand, because these "treasures" are scattered across the island, access to them is limited. Therefore, members of Niijima's meeting are taking action to link visitors to these scattered "treasures" under the guidance of Niijima residents and create experience-oriented content that showcases the island's many charms.

In FY2020, during meetings to discuss concrete actions regarding the method of guiding visitors around the island, members expressed the opinions that the transportation method should be one that would comply with measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, allow people to experience more of the charms of Niijima, and not be subject to various restrictions when incorporated into the transportation and drop-off/pick-up aspects of experience plans. From these stipulations, the use of a three-wheeled light vehicle was raised as a candidate. After comparing and discussing various three-wheeled vehicles, the decision was made to introduce the Velotaxi on a trial basis due to the vehicle's design, which has excellent air circulation and allows riders to directly experience the charms of Niijima, as well as sustainability and profitability considerations, such as its storage and maintenance costs, operating costs, and staffing.

In addition, concrete considerations are underway regarding programs to be registered to TABICA, an online platform for sharing experience-oriented programs that would allow visitors to enjoy Niijima's appeal with all five senses. Currently, three routes that are being considered as model Velotaxi tours: a route that tours the Koga stone-constructed buildings and monuments, a route that tours Niijima's beautiful coastline, and a route that allows visitors to see glass art and enjoy the sunset on the ocean horizon. These routes would take visitors to places on Niijima that residents want them to experience.

Going forward, members will deepen the discussion on the details of each route, including the content of the experiences, required time, and price settings, to prepare the three model routes for registration to TABICA.

At the same time, members will work on testing out the Velotaxi, which will be used in these model plans, through driving lessons and test runs along the routes.

In addition, they plan to continue publishing the "Niijima Treasure Island Newspaper," which has been around since FY2019, with the aim of informing people of initiatives on the island.