BUYER INTERVIEW
Eriko Seo, President, Cognoscenti Japan
Q: WHICH DESTINATIONS ARE POPULAR WITH YOUR CLIENTS NOW WHY? Europe is always a popular destination for the variety of charms including rich cultural assets, historical architectures, art, cuisine and wine. High comfort level and service standards also contribute.
Q: WHAT DO YOUR CLIENTS LOOK FOR WHEN THEY CHOOSE LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERIENCES?
They look for something unusual and inspiring that can only be seen or experienced in a particular destination. It can be nature, wildlife, art, history or other things depending on their passion.
Needless to say, they expect to be in good hands wherever they go. If facilities are minimum in certain locations, professional and sincere service makes a great difference. For that we always seek the right partners in every destination.
Q: LUXURY TRAVEL IS MORE THAN JUST TRAVEL, IT’S A LIFESTYLE. DO YOUR CLIENTS LOOK FOR THIS IN THEIR TRAVELS?
Many Japanese travellers choose to visit Europe for art and cultural experiences. Japanese clients are demanding in that regard because Japan also has sophisticated traditional arts. Art galleries, theatres and concerts are just a few examples of media through which they admire the elegance, aesthetic and high level of craftsmanship that Europe has established over its long history.
Q: A KEY TREND IN LUXURY TRAVEL IS FAMILY TRAVEL. IS THIS TREND REFLECTED IN JAPANESE TRAVELLERS? I have seen recent statistics in Japan showing a slight increase in three-generation family travel, but domestic travel is still the main stream for such travel. Easy access, familiar food and no language barrier are convenient for all generations. Many families choose to include in the itinerary onsen (hot springs) and beautiful nature which everyone can appreciate. Outside of Japan, Oahu, Hawaii is the most popular because of its mild climate, direct flights, Japanese widely spoken by tourism employees and a variety of child-friendly luxury accommodation.
Q: HOW HAS THE OUTBOUND LUXURY TRAVEL MARKET DEVELOPED IN JAPAN OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS?
Over the last few years it has become a norm for major travel agencies to have dedicated luxury sections which sell high-end package tours. With Japan’s aging population, senior people will continue to be a key target demographic for the luxury travel market, but how to work with younger generations of clients, who are to be senior in 10 to 20 years, is also a key issue. They search and access information they need, shop online and have specific preferences and are not easily satisfied with ready-made. I believe that the luxury travel business will be more of a lifestyle consultation than just selling travel. Keeping on top of worldwide travel trends and being able to offer each client what he/she wants is essential. Otherwise travel agencies will soon be dispensable.
Q: HOW IMPORTANT/POPULAR IS THE TREND OF TRAVELLING FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS? The Japanese have traditionally been travelling for health and wellness, going to onsen (hot springs) is the most popular purpose of travel in Japan. Extending the concept overseas should not be difficult, but many people still think foreign spas are for women to get facial treatments. These days more people are becoming conscious of what they eat and how to stay fit holistically, so there is a huge potential if we can match them with the right programmes to enhance their lifestyles.
24 THEINSIDER
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