#Japan #Tokyo #Airtrip #Kamome #Overseas Tours

Airtrip Expands Overseas Reach with Kamome Acquisition

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its international travel offerings, Airtrip Co., Ltd. has successfully acquired Kamome Co., known for its expertise in overseas wholesale and tour reservation services. This acquisition marks a significant milestone as Kamome, a veteran in the industry, joins Airtrip’s diverse portfolio, which already encompasses a range of travel-related services, including IT offshore development and cultural experiences.

Background of the Acquisition

Kamome has been a reliable player in the B2B overseas wholesale market, especially in regions like the Philippines, Central and South America, New Zealand, Northern Europe, and Papua New Guinea. It also offers a popular tour service known as “Kamome Tours” (eカモ.) that features breathtaking destinations and UNESCO World Heritage sites. By integrating Kamome into its operations, Airtrip aims to enhance its global travel business, bringing a wealth of experience and established relationships to the table.

About Kamome Co., Ltd.

Established 42 years ago, Kamome has built a solid reputation based on its philosophy of creating joyful and memorable travel experiences. It operates as a wholesaler and holds strong connections with local operators, ensuring that customers receive tailored travel solutions ranging from small group trips to large-scale educational tours.

The retail arm of Kamome is equally dedicated to delivering personalized service, with a team of travel specialists who guide customers from expedition selection to their return. This comprehensive approach is set to align well with Airtrip’s vision of an optimized travel experience.

Future Outlook

With the addition of Kamome, Airtrip is poised to enhance its overseas tour services significantly. This acquisition is the second since Airtrip acquired the Hawaiian travel brand “First Wise” in May 2019. Following this strategic decision, Airtrip's offerings now include an extensive range of destinations, from Hawaii to the Philippines and beyond.

Airtrip has already established a partnership with Hankyu Travel International Co., further broadening its international travel portfolio. This collaboration enables Airtrip to leverage Hankyu's strengths in individual travel products, including the e-very service, allowing them to cater to a diverse customer base.

Moreover, Airtrip plans to utilize its robust IT capabilities to further digitize operations, optimizing user experience and facilitating real-time online bookings. This initiative aims to enhance conversion rates and broaden customer engagement.

Additionally, Airtrip is committed to continually exploring opportunities for mergers and acquisitions to expand its reach and strengthen its overseas travel services.

Statements from Leadership

Masahiro Yanagida, Representative Director of Kamome, expressed excitement over the merger, emphasizing the potential to leverage Airtrip’s extensive network and expertise to boost Kamome’s offerings in niche markets and special location products. Yanagida highlighted his commitment to contributing positively to society through the enhanced capacity to serve travelers.

Takahiro Kanda, Executive Officer of Airtrip, acknowledged Kamome's longstanding legacy within the travel industry as a prestigious company renowned for its operational excellence. Kanda is optimistic that this partnership will lead to a fruitful synergy, enhancing the value of both companies while delivering superior travel experiences to customers.

Business Impact

The acquisition is expected to have a minimal impact on Airtrip’s financial performance this fiscal year. However, management is prepared to provide updates should any significant changes occur in the future.

Moving forward, Airtrip will continue its mission to enhance service offerings while actively pursuing business growth and development opportunities.

About Airtrip Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 2-5-1 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Yuusuke Shibata, President & CFO
URL: Airtrip Official Site

About Kamome Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 1-10-2 Nishi-shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Masahiro Yanagida
URL: Kamome Official Site