#Japan #Okinawa #LuggaFree Okinawa #furasuco #Okinawa Yamato

Introduction

The landscape of Okinawa tourism is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of the 'LuggaFree Okinawa' project. This initiative brings together four key players: Tap, Okinawa Yamato Transport, furasuco, and Sagawa Express, under the auspices of the Japanese government's push for new tourism services in Okinawa.

Background and Purpose

A common frustration for travelers is the 'standstill' caused by luggage handling and hotel check-in procedures. These interruptions often detract from the overall experience. The 'LuggaFree Okinawa' initiative aims to eliminate these obstacles by providing a solution that integrates luggage delivery and hotel check-in processes into a single application. This approach not only alleviates travelers' time and physical burdens but also improves operational efficiency and revenue for accommodation providers.

Project Overview

Starting in fiscal 2024, we will work closely with Okinawa Yamato Transport to implement the service. Additionally, we plan to expand the offering to include the 'RedCaps' service by furasuco, which operates in remote islands like Ishigaki. Collaborations with 'SAGAWA Baggage-Free Service' and 'Okinawa MaaS' will further centralize these offerings, with the goal of standardizing a seamless travel experience for all tourists visiting Okinawa.

Demonstration Period: October 2025 to February 2026

Key Features

• - Standalone System: Implement a standardized system and unified operational platform.
• - Robotic and Smart Locker Introduction: Deploy these technologies in select hotels across Okinawa and Ishigaki.
• - Collaboration with Other Services: Work with 'SAGAWA Baggage-Free Service' and 'Okinawa MaaS' for enriched service delivery.
• - Baggage Delivery Options: Facilitate airport-to-hotel baggage deliveries and hotel-to-hotel transfers.

The Meaning Behind 'LuggaFree'

The term 'Lugga' signifies both 'luggage' and the notion of 'anger or stress.' The name 'LuggaFree Okinawa' is a vision towards liberating travelers from both baggage and stress, promoting a more enjoyable vacation experience.

Future Developments

Looking forward, there are plans to launch dedicated buses for users of the baggage-free service, aiming to reduce car rentals and mitigate traffic congestion around Naha. We also envision a system where luggage checked in at the airport will be automatically delivered to hotels, enabling tourists to start exploring immediately upon arrival.

Through this initiative, Tap seeks not only to boost Okinawa's tourism competitiveness but also to contribute to a decarbonized society. As a leading company in Japan’s tourism DX landscape, we aim to establish an innovative model of tourism services that can be showcased globally.

Partner Organizations

• - Tap: The main company leading this initiative, specializing in hotel solutions since 1985.
• - Okinawa Yamato Transport: A logistics partner founded in 1985, focusing on transportation services.
• - furasuco: A mobility and logistics company established in 2022, collaborating through its RedCaps initiative.
• - Okinawa Tourism DX Promotion Organization: Supporting the initiative through training and proof of concept experiments in the tourism sector.

Conclusion

The 'LuggaFree Okinawa' project represents a pioneering effort in enhancing tourist experiences in Okinawa. By removing traditional barriers to seamless travel, this initiative promises not only to attract more visitors but also to elevate the overall quality of service across the region's hospitality sector.