Tag Archives: South Korea

H2O Hospitality joins Marriott Bonvoy with Luxury Rentals

 

H2O Hospitality has officially incorporated numerous rental properties into the distinguished collection of Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy. This innovative platform is renowned for featuring upscale and deluxe home rentals, supported by the extensive backing of Marriott International.

Under the umbrella of Homes & Villas by Marriott International, a curated and continually expanding selection of over 100,000 premium and luxury whole home rentals is showcased across 800+ prime destinations worldwide.

Leveraging Marriott International’s rich legacy in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences, each residence undergoes professional management, adhering to stringent standards for design, cleanliness, safety, and amenities. As an integral facet of the esteemed travel program Marriott Bonvoy, members have the opportunity to accumulate and redeem points for all their stays.

The collaboration with H2O Hospitality brings forth a showcase of more than 2,000 properties from their esteemed portfolio across two countries: South Korea and Japan. This encompasses highly sought-after destinations such as Seoul, Jeju, Tokyo, and other urban centers.

Through this strategic partnership and the seamless integration of H2O’s offerings, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy is set to present an even more extensive array of rental properties to Marriott Bonvoy members than ever before. This allows members to earn and utilise points when booking an H2O property through the Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy platform.

Prior to being integrated into the Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, H2O Hospitality’s rental properties underwent a thorough examination and evaluation by Marriott International. This scrutiny ensured alignment with the company’s standards for compliance, design, and amenities.

John Lee, Founder & CEO, H2O Hospitality, expressed delight in the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy. We remain committed to contributing to the development of the global hospitality market and the luxury accommodation industry.”

Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy stands out as the premier booking platform for customers seeking premium and luxury rental options that prioritise consistency, quality, and unparalleled loyalty through the Marriott Bonvoy travel program. With a thoughtfully curated selection of homes, the platform seamlessly connects travelers to thousands of rental properties worldwide, providing ample space for cherished travel moments, such as home-cooked dinners with loved ones, backyard lawn games, or celebrating birthdays with family and friends.

Japan’s tourism rebounds: 2.69mn visitors in January, on track for record year

Japan has started the year on a promising note for its tourism sector, with over 2 million visitors gracing its shores in January, marking the eighth consecutive month of such numbers.

According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the 2.69 million foreign visitors for business and leisure last month nearly matched December’s figure of 2.73 million, which had set an all-time high for that month.

This sustained momentum comes on the heels of a remarkable pandemic recovery year in 2023, where over 25 million visitors entered the country, surpassing previous expectations.

The Covid-19 pandemic had severely impacted Japan’s tourism for over two years, but the country experienced a surge in visitors in 2023, aided by the yen’s rapid depreciation, making Japan an attractive and economical destination.

In January, despite a minor dip from December, arrivals remained on par with 2019 figures, when Japan had recorded a record-breaking 39.9 million tourists. The month’s statistics were influenced by the major earthquake in Ishikawa on January 1. However, tourists from South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia achieved an all-time high for any single month.

While tourism from China remains below pre-pandemic levels, with mainland Chinese visitors once constituting a significant portion, there are positive signs of recovery. Chinese visitors numbered 415,900 in January, representing a notable 33% increase from the previous month. Additionally, Japanese department stores reported robust sales of luxury goods and duty-free items in the first half of February, partly attributed to Lunar New Year celebrations.

Analysts suggest a shift in Chinese travel trends, with a preference for more leisurely trips, termed “chill stay,” in contrast to the frenetic shopping sprees witnessed in previous years. The uptick in visitor numbers and spending bodes well for Japan’s economy, where inbound tourism plays an increasingly vital role. Last year, visitors surpassed the JYP 5 trillion-mark, exceeding the government’s set target, reinforcing the economic significance of tourism to Japan.

Travel & tourism sector deal activity down by 32.7% YoY during Jan-Nov: GlobalData

A total of 666 deals (mergers & acquisitions (M&A), private equity and venture financing) were announced in the travel and tourism sector globally during January-November 2023, which is a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 32.7% compared to the announcement of 989 deals during the same period in the previous year, finds GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, said, “The global travel and tourism sector persistently exhibited a declining trend in deal activity throughout the year. Geo-political tensions, ongoing wars and associated macroeconomic challenges largely affected the deal-making sentiments in the sector.”

An analysis of GlobalData’s Financial Deals Database reveals that the deal activity within the travel and tourism sector for all the regions and most of the countries suffered setbacks during January-November 2023.

North America witnessed 43.2% decline in deals volume during January-November 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. Similarly, the number of deals announcement in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South and Central American regions too fell by 36.7%, 15.2%, 20.5%, and 42.3%, respectively, YoY during January-November 2023.

Meanwhile, key global markets such as the US, the UK, China, Japan, France, South Korea, Australia, Spain and the Netherlands witnessed YoY decline in deals volume by 44.1%, 29.5%, 4.5%, 46.9%, 20.7%, 26.7%, 30%, 56.8% and 35%, respectively.

Bose added, “All the deal types under the coverage also recorded YoY decline in volume during January-November 2023.”

For instance, the number of M&A deals declined by 34.6% while the volume of private equity deals and venture financing deals registered YoY decline of 31% and 26.3%, respectively

‘The Indian market has successfully reached the targeted spending amount of JPY 200,000’

Japan is keen to entice the Indian traveller with its varied landscape, geographical spread, food & beverage offerings, and natural wonders. Bunno Ryo, Executive Director, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Delhi Office, spoke to TravelBiz Monitor about their inbound numbers from India, potential source markets for 2024, and multi-faceted marketing strategies to reach the desired visitor target.

1. What are the India statistics for JNTO until September 2023 as compared to the target numbers listed for the year?

The Indian market holds immense potential and significance for Japan’s tourism industry. Over the past years, we have witnessed a growing interest from Indian travellers in exploring the unique cultural, historical, and natural wonders that Japan has to offer. In 2019, we saw over 1,75,000 Indian visitors. To meet the 2019 milestone is our objective for 2023. So far, from January to June 2023, we have witnessed close to 79,500 visitors to Japan from India.

As we continue to strengthen our ties with the Indian travel industry and tailor our initiatives to the preferences and needs of Indian tourists, we remain optimistic about the bright future of Japan’s tourism market in India.

2. As per the 2023-2025 tourism plan, Japan is looking to boost per-person spending to USD 1,500 (JPY 200,000) through aggressive marketing efforts, kindly elaborate on the strategies being planned or implemented?

We are delighted to announce that the Indian market has successfully reached the targeted spending amount of JPY 200,000. This achievement stands as compelling evidence that visiting Japan holds undeniable value for Indian consumers, known for their discerning emphasis on value for money. To further bolster our aim of achieving a per-person spending target of USD 1,500 (JPY 200,000), our current marketing strategies are strategically tailored to resonate with the discerning Indian travellers. This includes leveraging digital platforms for targeted advertising, collaborating with prominent Indian travel agencies, promoting exclusive cultural experiences, and introducing tailored travel packages that highlight Japan’s unique offerings. Additionally, we are exploring strategic collaborations with popular Indian influencers and implementing personalised promotional campaigns to enhance the overall tourist experience and encourage higher spending. To achieve the target of increasing per-person spending, we have adopted a multi-faceted approach that includes a mix of strategic marketing efforts including, but not limited to Online, Offline channels, SNS and various collaborations, etc.

Collaborating with travel agents and tour operators is an essential part of our strategy. We work closely with our partners to create enticing travel packages to encourage Indian tourists to explore Japan more extensively across segments like leisure and MICE.

The goal to increase per-person spending is not just about driving revenue but also about providing a richer and more fulfilling experience for our visitors. We remain committed to making Japan a compelling destination that offers exceptional value for Indian tourists.

3. The tourism plan also focuses on promoting destinations beyond Tokyo, kindly elaborate and what sets these destinations apart?

Japan is a country known for its remarkable combination of land size and geographical diversity. Japan’s land stretches 3000km from North to South, featuring a climate ranging from the cold zone to the subtropical zone. You can witness the enchanting cherry blossoms as early as January or February in Okinawa and as late as May in Hokkaido. Remarkably, approximately 70% of Japan covered by forestland, making it a remarkably green and environmentally conscious country. Moreover, Japan’s cultural diversity encompasses not only traditional Japanese culture but also the Ainu culture in Hokkaido and the Ryukyu culture in Okinawa.

Japan’s natural beauty extends far beyond Tokyo. The country is blessed with diverse landscapes, from the stunning cherry blossoms of Hirosaki Park in Aomori to the breathtaking landscapes of Hokkaido and the picturesque beaches of Okinawa. Promoting these destinations allows us to showcase the full spectrum of Japan’s natural wonders.

Additionally, the food culture in Japan is incredibly diverse, and travellers can savour regional dishes that are distinct to the area they visit. Whether it is the fresh seafood of Hokkaido, the street food of Osaka, or the kaiseki cuisine of Kyoto, regional food experiences are a significant draw for tourists.

Japan’s regions are filled with historical significance. For example, Hiroshima, with its Peace Memorial Park, is a place of historical reflection, while Nara boasts the stunning Todai-ji temple and the iconic Great Buddha. Travellers with an interest in history find these destinations incredibly compelling.

While Tokyo remains a popular destination, some travellers seek to escape the crowds and experience a more relaxed, authentic side of Japan. Destinations beyond Tokyo offer just that. Visitors can explore historic streets and beautiful landscapes without the hustle and bustle often associated with major cities.

Promoting destinations beyond Tokyo is not only about showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of these regions but also about ensuring that travellers have a more well-rounded and enriching experience during their visit to Japan. We are committed to highlighting the distinctiveness of each region, and our marketing strategies focus on telling the stories and offering compelling reasons to explore the less-visited gems.

4. What are Japan’s top-performing markets as of 2023 and the emerging potential markets for 2024?

As of 2023, Japan continues to welcome travellers from a host of countries. Some of the top-performing markets that have contributed significantly to our tourism industry include China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, United States of America, Australia, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and UK.

Regarding emerging potential markets for 2024, we are actively exploring and investing in various regions that show promise in terms of tourism growth like India, Middle East, and Nordics among others. These markets hold significant potential, and it is essential for JNTO to continue our marketing efforts and foster strong partnerships to capitalize on this potential.

Our strategy for 2024 and beyond will include tailored marketing campaigns and initiatives to further tap into these emerging markets. We understand the importance of building strong relationships and we work very closely with travel partners, airlines, and local stakeholders to promote Japan as a preferred travel destination for these potential visitors.

5. Indian travellers today are looking for unique experiences, how does Japan fit in and cater to Indian travellers?

Japan has always been a treasure trove of unique and enriching experiences. We understand that Indian travellers today are looking for more than just the conventional tourist destinations; they seek immersive, authentic, and one-of-a-kind experiences and Japan caters to these requirements.

Japan is known for its rich and diverse culture. Indian travellers can participate in traditional tea ceremonies, witness mesmerizing geisha performances in Kyoto, explore ancient temples and shrines, and even stay in a ryokan (traditional inn) for an authentic cultural experience.

Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its exquisite flavours and presentation. Indian travellers can savour regional dishes unique to different parts of Japan, from the famous sushi of Tokyo to the kaiseki cuisine of Kyoto. Japanese street food is also a hit among travellers looking for quick and delicious bites. And to bring Indians closer to home, Japan has over 2,100 Indian restaurants spread across the country serving authentic and delicious Indian delicacies.

Travellers can soak in hot springs or onsens in places like Hakone, enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring, and marvel at the vibrant autumn foliage. For fans of Japanese pop culture, Japan is a paradise. From visiting anime and manga cafes in Akihabara to experiencing themed cafes and visiting the bustling entertainment districts, there’s a lot to explore for enthusiasts. Adventurous Indian travellers can enjoy activities such as hiking in the Japanese Alps, skiing in Hokkaido, or scuba diving in Okinawa.

Japan is an incredible shopper’s paradise, offering something for every shopper, with Yodobashi Camera and BIC Camera catering to tech enthusiasts, while Don Quijote and DAISO – 100 YEN cater to budget-conscious consumers. The iconic Uniqlo and upscale shopping in Ginza, Tokyo, further enrich the diverse shopping experience, making Japan a shopaholic’s dream.

Japan is known for its safety and the warm hospitality of its people. Indian travellers can explore the country with a sense of security and be welcomed with open arms. We understand the evolving preferences of Indian travellers and continue to adapt our offerings to meet their desires for authenticity and uniqueness.

 

Indonesia proposes visa-free arrivals for 20 countries, including India

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has announced visa-free entries for travellers from India and 19 other countries.

Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Tourism Minister of Indonesia said that the move would boost domestic consumption, attract investment and support the development of the digital economy.

Making the announcement Uno said, “The Ministry proposed 20 countries with the highest (number of) foreign tourists, except for those with existing visa exemptions.”

“The provision is expected to increase foreign tourist visits which will generate a multiplier effect,” he added. According to him, the move would boost domestic consumption, attract investment and support the development of the digital economy.

“We are targeting quality tourists, especially those with longer stays and higher spending in the local economy,” he pointed out.

The 20 countries include Australia, China, India, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

From October this year, Indonesia has been witnessing a slight recovery, with the country receiving 9.49 million foreign footfalls, which is double than the 5.47 million people that visited the country last year.But this is still less than the more than the country’s pre-pandemic peak, however.

Indian tourists made up the second-largest group of arrivals to Bali, with 77.88 thousand arrivals.

Indonesia mulls visa waiver for 20 countries, including India

Indonesia is considering the possibility of granting visa-free entry to citizens from 20 countries, including the United States, China, Australia, India, South Korea, Germany, Britain, and France, in an effort to boost tourism and bolster its economy.

The government aims to finalise the list of countries within the next month, as per an official statement.
Minister Sandiaga Uno revealed that the President has directed the government to explore visa waivers as a strategy to enhance economic growth, attract more tourists, and encourage investment.

According to official data, there were more than 16 million foreign arrivals in Indonesia in pre-pandemic 2019.
In the period from January to October this year, the country experienced a significant surge with 9.49 million foreign visitors, marking a 124.3 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2022.

Indonesia follows the trend in Southeast Asia by considering visa exemptions for Chinese travelers, a key market, following Singapore’s recent announcement of a 30-day mutual visa exemption with China set to take effect early next year.

Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia have also eliminated visa requirements for visitors from India recently.