Inspired Luxury is delighted to announce our appointment as Australian representative for Bear Luxe Japan, a B2B Membership Portal for Japanese Luxury Travel. This unique network is Japan’s first curated consortium of luxury service providers offering Australian travel agents a one-stop window for marketing materials, reservations and payments.
Founded in partnership with The Ryokan Collection and by a team of luxury travel experts, Bear Luxe Japan has partnered with some of the largest names in Japanese luxury travel to ensure agents have access to a comprehensive raft of services spanning transportation, accommodation, custom experiences and alliance of destination management companies with specific expertise. In addition, Kyoto City Tourism Association has signed on as a partner as part of their initiative to develop more luxury tourism in Japan’s former capital.
The portal is the first of its kind in Japan, despite the fact that the number of overseas visitors to Japan is expected to eclipse 30 million this year, triple the number from five years ago. Not only are more people coming to Japan, they are spending more too. The Japan National Tourism Organization reports per capital spending has quadrupled since 2012.
BLJ Co-Founder and COO Hiroyuki Miyatake said, “Because Japan is a unique market with many independent brands, buyers have often told me that finding and contacting qualified suppliers has been an issue. With the increased interest in Japan as a destination, there is certainly a need for a trusted network and reliable B2B Concierge Service.”
In addition to smoothing the way for luxury travel buyers and sellers, Miyatake hopes the service can provide a way for Japan’s traditional craftspeople and artisans to reach new markets and support their struggling industries.
“Lifestyles in Japan have been changing, and demand for traditional arts and crafts among the younger generation has stagnated, but there is demand among overseas visitors to see and experience that side of Japan, if they can find a way to access it. I hope Bear Luxe Japan be that conduit, to help to build an ecosystem that will contribute to local traditions, cultures and industries.” Hiroyuki Miyatake added
Lynne Ireland, Founder and CEO of Inspired Luxury noted “We have worked together with Hiro san over many years with The Ryokan Collection and ILTM Japan, where his expertise and strong relationships are well recognized. It’s exciting BLJ is listening to market feedback in the creation of this new B2B concierge service to support the industry, from personalized airport transfers to extraordinary bespoke experiences which are unique to Japan”.
Inspired Luxury is responsible for sales and marketing activity in Australia for Bear Luxe Japan (BLJ) and will be partnering with trade and media to showcase this unique B2B concierge business to the luxury leisure, corporate and MICE sectors.
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