Outbound incentive travel to Japan has been steadily rising, notice travel agents based in Indonesia.
For Annisa Angraini, senior assistant manager of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Jakarta office, the company was constantly receiving enquiries even before Japan announced the reopening of its borders.
Now that borders have opened, JNTO can now look into handling both new requests, as well as pending trips.
Speaking to TTGmice at the recent TTC Travel Mart in Jakarta, Is Hariyadi, marketing department manager of TJC Travel Japan, shared: “We have received many enquiries for incentive trips from insurance, banking, printer and agricultural companies.”
These groups are looking at travelling October and November this year, with up to 200 people per group. Itneraries include visiting their company headquarters, team dinners, as well as free time for exploring and shopping.
Dolly Zaimon, department head at Skyhub, agreed that the demand for incentives is high. The company is currently handling five incentive clients in the electronic, medical, and banking fields. These companies are looking at week-long itineraries to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with travel dates from July to November.
“Previously, companies have already been planning to send groups to Japan, and (are hoping) to materialise it now that borders have reopened.”
Zaimon added that although there has been an increase in incoming requests, the demand is still far from pre-pandemic levels.
Even though borders in Japan have opened, itineraries are still controlled. Regardless, Meiga, sales manager for Asian Link Travel Service, stated that Japan – in addition to South Korea and Singapore – is still a sought-after destination for Indonesian outbound travellers.
