Niseko’s Unofficial Tourism Body Paul Haggart In Focus

PAUL Haggart came to Niseko from New Zealand three years ago, and has quickly become a respected ambassador for the foreign community here. He has got involved with all levels of the local community, and volunteers at every opportunity to help organise events, and help out wherever he can. He has become an unofficial tourism representative for Niseko.
 
What brought you to Niseko?
I have been living in Niseko now for three years. My wife is from Tokyo originally, and it was a combination of an opportunity to live a little closer to her family, and an exciting opportunity to work for Hokkaido Tracks, one of the area’s most well-known developers, that brought me to Niseko, and back to Japan.
 
Can you tell us about your new role at the Green Leaf Hotel?
I am the manager of the hotel, in charge of hotel operations, and the hotel’s drive back into the marketplace. This is an exciting challenge and I have a fantastic team of staff and great support from the resort in propelling the hotel forward into the future.
 
What is so special about Niseko, as opposed to other places in Hokkaido?
The people in Niseko make Niseko special. These people are really adept and very talented. They have a love for the district and are very welcoming and are quite international in their thoughts.
 
What’s your favourite thing about Niseko?
I have more than one favourite thing about Niseko – the people, the food, the lie of the land, the versatility of the land, and the incredible array of produce are just some of the things that make this place special.
 
Which is your favourite season in Niseko and why?
My favourite season in Niseko is spring. I never knew that there could be two opportunities to experience autumn in one year – what I mean is, when the new spring growth on the trees start to appear, it comes out in very vivid colours, similar to autumn. The difference is that the air slowly becomes warmer. After the spring fall (harukoyo) the forests grow at the rate of about a metre a day. This is so fascinating to watch – it really makes you feel alive.
 
You are very passionate about Niseko and promoting it to outsiders. Why are you so passionate about it?
Niseko is a really special place and plays a very important role in Japanese tourism going into the future. I want people from the outside to experience the magic of Japan and have as deep an experience as possible while they are here. The more you know about the area and the culture, the more you want to know. It is this spirit that I really want to foster.
 
You do a lot of work promoting festivals and events in Niseko year-round.
Which are your favourites, and why?
There are so many events on in Niseko each year, this is really difficult to answer. However, I really enjoyed the Pumpkin Harvest event last year in Niseko Town. This event really stood out as it gave people from all around the world who reside here an opportunity to network and work together not only on the event, but in all aspects of community life. This event starts with the building of tunnel houses on March 10, 2009.
 
What do you think Niseko will be like in 10 years time?
In 10 years time I think Niseko would have had an opportunity to mature and the efforts that are being made now will be a lot more visible. I think that the entire district is learning a lot in 2009, and 2010 and beyond will give us a stage to show what it is that we can really do and what we as a district can show the country and the world.
 
What are your top three tips for visitors to Niseko?
1. You cannot leave the area without trying a Higashiyama Milk Kobo choux cream (custard cream puff). They are amazing!!!
2. Try out the onsens. The variety is huge, and the healing and wellness-giving properties really make a difference to the end of a day.
3. Get as much inside local knowledge as possible when traveling about. There are some very special places to see and experience.