HONG KONG, 18 March 2019: Thomas Cook strengthens its presence in Japan by announcing a joint partnership through China’s Fosum Tourism Group, that recently established a new travel firm under the banner of Hanatour Japan.
The partners will use the Hanatour connection to serve tours heading for Japan sold in Thomas Cook China.
Thomas Cook will deliver its online technology and distribution channels in the Chinese market to the joint venture, while Hanatour will support with land arrangements in Japan to keep prices competitive.
Japan is the fastest-growing destination for Chinese travellers and already one of Thomas Cook China’s largest outbound tourism earners.
Last year, 8 million Chinese travellers visited Japan, an increase of 12% over 2017, surpassed only by the volume of Chinese tourists heading for Thailand stood at 10 million plus in 2018.
“This partnership is part of Thomas Cook China’s strategy to develop high-quality products and build its presence in key destinations for Chinese tourists,” said Thomas Cook in a statement released during ITB Berlin.
Thomas Cook China chief executive, Alessandro Dassi, said the partnership with Hanatour Japan created greater access and “better control of hotels and services in Japan, allowing us to accelerate growth into this key market for Chinese travellers.”
Hanatour Japan said it believed travel from China would continue to increase to Japan over the next five years.
