Waka Takamido

I am a postgraduate student pursuing her Master of Science in sustainable tourism and global challenges at the University of Glasgow. Growing up in Miyama, Kyoto, a small countryside area where community life and nature are deeply intertwined, Waka witnessed firsthand how rural communities struggle with depopulation and an ageing society while embracing the growing opportunities in global tourism.

After earning her bachelor’s in intercultural studies from Kobe University, Waka returned to her hometown to support her community through sustainable tourism. Her expertise has been sought through collaborative work with diverse stakeholders in a Destination Management Organization (DMO) for eight years and her two years of experience as a tour guide. Waka developed a keen interest in community-led tourism and its effective governance in rural Scotland, particularly in how and to what extent each stakeholder- including DMOs, visitors, and travel companies is involved in tourism decision-making.