A new distribution deal between JTB Corp, Japan's biggest travel company, and Sydney-based Viator is already yielding strong sales, according to Viator CEO Rod Cuthbert.
Cuthbert said Viator has now added JTB's huge Japanese destination product range to its database, which is marketed through through Viator.com and 500 affiliate sites such as Hotwire, Travelocity, Zuji and Priceline.com.
Products include sightseeing and destination activities like the famous Shinansen Bullet Train tours.
"We've been surprised and pleased at the booking levels so far," Cuthbert said.
"Clearly, given the perceived language challenges a destination like Japan presents, people like to get themselves organized before they go."
Cuthbert said the initial product focus is on Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto, while the primary target market is inbound English-speaking travellers to Japan.
Cuthbert said Viator has partnered with the Sunrise Tours division of JTB.
"It's a clear leader in English-language tours to Japan," he said.
"There's a bias towards educating visitors about the culture and history of Japan, and that's exactly what our customers are looking for."
Viator claims to be the world's leading online aggregator and seller of destination product. Purchases are typically made by travellers prior to departure.
JTB Corp. is Japan's largest travel company. Founded in 1912, it has offices worldwide and annual revenues in excess of US$13 billion.
More than seven million overseas travellers are expected to visit Japan during 2005, according to JTB estimates.
Ends / March 22, 2005
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Events
'REAL TIME - Sydney, March 30'
- When: March 30, 2012
- Where: Amora Hotel Jamison
- Program: Real Time
- Bookings: $499 + gst Early Bird
BOOK now to get the Early Bird rate for the No Vacancy accommodation industry conference in Sydney.
Real Time is the theme of No Vacancy 2012, reflecting the fact that we live in a world where everything happens now, or not at all.
In no business is this more obvious than tourism. Booking lead times are now measured in hours not days or weeks.
To succeed requires a new way of doing business, a fresh mentality and a fair amount of nerve.
The program is packed with the information you'll need to thrive in today's just-in-time world with a focus on distribution, marketing, innovation, consumers and technology.
Speakers confirmed so far include the following, and there are a few more on the way...
- Rachel Argaman, CEO, Toga Hospitality
- Dave Audley, Heading of Consulting, Experian Hitwise
- Quentin Briard, GM Australia & NZ, Club Med
- Daniel Bridges, Head of Travel, Trade Me (NZ)
- Julio Bruno, Global Vice President Sales, TripAdvisor
- James Cassidy, HomeAway.com.au
- Robbie Cooke, CEO, Wotif.com
- Will Deague, CEO, Art Series Hotels
- Dean Dransfield, Director, Dransfield Hotels and Resorts
- Bob East, CEO, Mantra Resorts
- Leah Lipman, Area Director Reveneue Management Australasia, IHG
- Simon McGrath, CEO, Accor Australia
- Bryon Merzeo, Analyst, STR Global
- Bernard O’Keefe, Group Online Marketing Manager, Hamilton Island
- Todd Parker, Founder, Parker Travel Collection
- Nikolai Pitchforth, Head of Online Travel, Google
- Brett Pointon, Founder, Oaks Hotels and Resorts
- Anton Stanish, GM, The Stayz Group
- Janet Wilson, Managing Director, Nationwide Hospitality
It'll be a great day. As usual, the focus will be on distribution, marketing, sales, innovation and technology for both hoteliers and Online Travel Agents.
Sponsors:
Returning September 17, 2012
The date has been set for TRAVELtech 2012 - Monday, September 17.
Meanwhile, thanks to everyone who attended TRAVELtech: Best of Enemies in Sydney recently.
It was a fantastic event, lots of fun with a touch of controversy.
Please check out the photographs or use this link to see great 360 degree panorama shots of the conference from Panedia.
TRAVELtech is Australia's original web travel, marketing and distribution event, featuring a compelling program, great speakers and fantastic networking.
No Vacancy Southeast Asia
Bangkok, July 2012
No Vacancy continues to evolve. After the success of No Vacancy Thailand, the 2012 event will expand to encompass Southeast Asia.
It'll still be held in Bangkok and Thailand remains central to No Vacancy's future in the region.
More news by early February. Meanwhile, some images have been posted of No Vacancy Thailand below.
The first Destination Online TNQ half-day conference has just been held in Cairns.
It was great - thanks to everyone who came and helped out.
And a message to anyone thinking about heading to TNQ, do it.
Fantastic place and you'd have to say a little under-rated right now.
SPEAKERS INCLUDED
- Richard Eastes, Director, VroomVroomVroom.com.au
- Brad Gurrie, GM Australia and SE Asia, Travelzoo
- Martin Kelly, Director, TravelTrends.biz
- Bryon Merzeo, Australian Manager, STR Global
- Christopher Northam, Area Operations Manager, Mantra Group
- Bernard O’Keefe, Group Online Marketing Manager, Hamilton Island
- Todd Parker, Managing Director, Parker Travel Collection
- Rush Pathak, Digital Manager, Tourism Tropical North Queensland
- Richard Tribe, Director, Ski.com.au
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