WAmazing Launches Hotel Pickup Service for Tax-Free Shopping in Japan

WAmazing Expands Shopping Experience for Foreign Tourists

WAmazing, a startup focused on providing a tourism platform for foreign visitors to Japan, has recently introduced a new model for product pickup at hotels. This service aims to simplify the shopping experience for foreign tourists, who often struggle with the added burden of carrying their purchases around during their travels. With this new initiative, WAmazing has reached a significant milestone by surpassing 100 designated pickup locations, including hotels in major tourist areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa.

Meeting the Needs of Tourists

The demand for shopping by international tourists has skyrocketed, especially as the projected consumer spending for 2024 is expected to surpass 8.1 trillion yen, with shopping expenses accounting for a significant share. Yet, the logistics of navigating tax-free procedures and handling numerous items often detract from their travel experiences. By enhancing the accessibility and convenience of the shopping process, WAmazing aims to allow travelers more time for sightseeing and other experiences, thus increasing overall spending.

A Win-Win for Hotels and Tourists

For accommodation providers, WAmazing offers a unique opportunity to generate additional revenue through the service. These hotels receive a handling fee for each item picked up, creating a new income stream while assisting tourists with their shopping concerns. The pickup process is designed to be efficient—taking only about three minutes to complete—minimizing the operational load on hotel staff and ensuring a smooth implementation of the service.

Feedback from Accommodation Providers

Many hotels that have already implemented this service have reported positive outcomes. For instance, officials from the Tourist Information Desk in Asakusa mentioned that they see customers utilizing the pickup service almost daily, leading to increased visitation and enhancing their connection with guests. They emphasized that the appeal of the program lies in its minimal operational demands and the supplementary income it provides.

Comprehensive Support for Hotels

To ensure smooth operations and help hotel staff manage the service, WAmazing has developed a robust support network. This includes a dedicated support desk accessible 365 days a year, ready to address any questions related to tax-free deliveries. In addition, a multilingual customer support service is available, eliminating language barriers and allowing guests to consult WAmazing directly regarding their queries. This will alleviate operational burdens for hotels, enabling them to focus on enhancing guests' overall experiences.

An Innovative Tax-Free Shopping Option

WAmazing’s tax-free EC service represents Japan's first online shopping experience designed explicitly for incoming tourists. It enables travelers to pre-order Japanese souvenirs at tax-free prices before or during their trips, with pickup available at over 100 designated locations such as hotels and airports. This innovative approach allows tourists to enjoy hands-free sightseeing, facilitating visits to various attractions and contributing to local tourism spending.

Moreover, targeting visitors primarily from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, where they account for over 39% of inbound travelers and nearly 57% of their shopping expenditures, WAmazing is well-positioned to cater to this lucrative market segment. With about 76% of its users being female, the service is particularly favored by travelers in their 20s to 40s. The platform offers a diverse inventory of approximately 10,000 products, including popular souvenirs, cosmetics, and beverages, with many users reserving items before their travels.

Accessibility and Growth

As WAmazing continues its expansion, the hotel pickup service kicked off in regions like Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa from June 18, with plans to roll out to additional locations across Japan by September. The company is also set to feature 12 existing automated vending machines with tax-free shopping capabilities located throughout major transportation hubs.

Conclusion

WAmazing, established in July 2016, is actively enriching the travel experience for inbound tourists through seamless integration of shopping and sightseeing. By simplifying tax-free shopping and enhancing service delivery across hotels, WAmazing is not only addressing tourists' needs but also driving additional revenue opportunities for its partner accommodations. This pioneering initiative is a testament to WAmazing's commitment to supporting Japan’s tourism sector while making the experience memorable for visitors.

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