34 japan
a strong focus for Travel Indochina which has added more departures for its seasonal and festival tours for 2016 following “signifi cant growth in passenger numbers” across its Japan escorted small group journeys in 2014. InsideJapan saw its agent sales increase by more than half last year, with Spiller citing the country’s affordability and broad appeal, from families and honeymooners to skiers and divers. “People are gradually realising that Japan is actually not such an expensive place,” says Spiller, adding, “sightseeing and eating out is generally cheaper than the UK and great value for money.” Leisure travellers fl ying with Japan’s largest airline, ANA – now fl ying from Heathrow’s new Terminal 2 – are mainly attracted by its unique cultural diversity believes Julie Murphy, ANA Country Sales Manager. “ANA provides the whole Japanese experience throughout the journey with Japanese hospitality ‘Omotenashi’ in every aspect. To promote this we consider travel agencies the most important sales channels for UK travellers.” The fi nal word goes to Wendy Wu Tours Marketing Manager Ben Briggs. “Japan is set to receive lots of attention,” he says, adding, “it will be one of the stars of 2015.”
What’s new Operators: Jaltour
(
jaltour.co.uk) is offering 20% commission to agents for all
bookings of its
13-day Cherry Blossom Spring Tour. Priced from £4,735pp, including fl ights, the tour departs on March 25 and includes Tokyo, Kamakura, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka with bookings made by January 30. Explore (
explore.co.uk) has launched an eight- day Highlights of Japan option; Wendy Wu (
wendywutours.co.uk) has added a Wonders of Japan private tour and Essential Japan, an 11-day fully- inclusive escorted group tour; and Cosmos Tours (
cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk) a 10-day Tale of Two Cities – Tokyo & Kyoto. Audley Travel (
audleytravel.com) has ramped up options in Kyushu and Okinawa, with special sections on family and gourmet options, including the 15-day Gourmet Japan. InsideJapan Tours’ (
insidejapantours.com) 2015-2016 brochure includes the new
“Don’t be scared to try the food, it’s not all sushi! My favourite was Okonomiyaki, similar to omelettes, and I also loved having Miso soup with every
meal – including breakfast!” HANNAH METHVEN, PRODUCT MANAGER, EXPLORE
Left: A stone Buddha. Above: The fi ve-storeyed Chureito Pagoda, surrounded by cherry trees and overlooking Mount Fuji. Opposite page: A plate of Okonomiyaki; the bright lights of Tokyo
JAPAN
From a Japan Rail Pass to an escorted tour of Japan, from the Tokyo Skytree to a traditional parade in Kyoto, JTB Europe offers specialist travel to Japan.
JTB Europe Ltd. I
info@japanspecialist.co.uk I
www.japanspecialist.co.uk Selling
Longhaul_190x65_2015.indd 1 Untitled-2 1 16/12/2014 12:59:16 16/12/2014 13:37
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