Supporting Tourism on Miyako Island: How UNIMAT is Shaping a World-Class Resort Destination

By Daniel de Bomford and Bernard Thompson

Standing on Miyako Island’s shores in the evening presents a moment of unparalleled beauty. The Milky Way spills across the sky as the sun falls beyond the horizon, and the stars twinkle like pearls almost close enough to touch. It’s a paradise untouched by the bustle of city life, home to pristine beaches steeped in natural splendor, with few equals in the world. Considered one of the most beautiful spots in Japan, it has recently become a tourist hotspot for travelers looking for a tropical paradise complemented by Japan’s famous hospitality.

A significant factor behind this tourism boom is forward-thinking organizations like UNIMAT and its President, Yoji Takahashi, who have been developing hotel facilities on the island for over 40 years. Proprietors of a wide range of lodgings on the island, such as Shigira Island Resort, which includes eight distinct hotels, have been a driving force in attracting visitors to the island. The facilities are developed according to an “isolated hotel” concept, stemming from the company’s approach to city planning. “Our goal is to develop a well-structured environment capable of accommodating visitors in a purposeful and sustainable way,” Takahashi explains. The vision goes beyond accommodation with the company’s plan to design and develop a concert hall with a capacity of 12,000 people and plans to create dedicated spaces for the arts and sports complex.

Initially, Miyako Island wasn’t considered a tourist destination, so UNIMAT took the initiative and developed it from the ground up. After 40 years, it has attracted attention from high-end brands, spurring further development. Its vision is to create a fully self-contained town within the resort, capable of accommodating 30,000 people, and it is currently developing around 12,000 rooms, adding 280 rooms annually. “Today, we are proud to be recognized as pioneers in the region, and our company is now moving forward to develop Miyako Island sustainably, having a consensus with local people,” Takahashi says. UNIMAT is developing the facilities and infrastructure in conjunction with the local government, ensuring they are connected and effectively integrated with the local community. The company aims to build 20 hotels within the resort complex, with number 10 currently underway. The different builds will cover a range of price points and diverse themes.

The President describes tourism as an essential part of regional revitalization, in a time when Japan is facing declines in the population across the country. Across Japan, young people leave their communities to attend university in metropolitan hubs like Tokyo and Osaka, and often never return. Regional areas have their own unique traditions and cultures, invariably tied to the local environment, and it's no different for Miyako Island, whose customs are entwined with the natural beauty of the area. “It’s crucial to uncover and highlight these hidden gems, allowing them to shine. Attracting tourists to these lesser-known destinations can help breathe new life into the local economy and community,” he says. UNIMAT wants to create a positive cycle through regional revitalization where people can return to the island and build their lives there. “Our aim is to create attractive new jobs that encourage people with strong ties to their hometowns to come back,” Takahashi explains. Of its 1,000 employees, around 200, including most new hires, are foreign workers. The company is continuing to develop a more diverse working environment.

Anticipating an influx of tourists following the opening of a nearby international airport, UNIMAT is partnering with international OTAs such as booking.com and Expedia to strengthen its presence and promote its brand amongst global travelers. Ultimately, it aims to encourage direct bookings through its online platform. Central to that goal are positive word-of-mouth reviews and reviews that its guests share. “Travelers often choose hotels not just based on location, but on the experiences of others,” he explains.

Miyako Island is a paradise surrounded by sparkling blue seas and picturesque flora, full of delights yet to be discovered by the wider world. UNIMAT is building a sanctuary with lodgings for everyone, from high-end luxury suites to wellness retreats, opening this hidden gem to a new generation of visitors.

To hear more from President Yoji Takahashi of UNIMAT Group, check out this interview with him.