Reelu Launches Shore Excursion Services for Inbound Cruise Guests

Reelu Initiates Shore Excursion Services for Cruise Guests in Japan

Reelu Co., Ltd, based in Minato City, Tokyo, led by CEO Shuu Konno, has announced the launch of specialized shore excursion services targeted at cruise travelers visiting Japan. This service aims to cater to the growing number of luxury travelers arriving through international cruise ships. As the cruise industry recovers post-pandemic, Reelu is poised to offer exceptional land-based support while ensuring a luxurious experience for its clientele, particularly affluent and VIP guests.

Background: The Resurgence of the Inbound Cruise Market

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the number of inbound cruise visitors is projected to reach approximately 1.767 million by 2025, a 1.2-fold increase compared to previous years. The number of port calls is also expected to rise to over 3,117, highlighting a remarkable recovery in this sector. Notably, premium and luxury class cruise ships account for 1,377 of these port visits, emphasizing the trend toward higher-end cruise experiences. As this demand grows, there is an evident need for skilled professionals equipped with both language proficiency and exquisite hospitality skills, capable of enhancing the quality of shore experiences.

The Challenge of Human Resource Shortages

On the other hand, the hospitality sector is facing severe challenges regarding workforce adequacy. A survey conducted by the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) revealed that the most pressing concern regarding inbound tourism is the shortage of manpower and qualified personnel, which remains at the top of the list now and for the foreseeable future. The increased recovery of foreign visitors has further amplified the issue of insufficient staff who can communicate in multiple languages during peak travel periods.

Current Staffing Challenges

1. Seasonal Labor Shortages: As cruise ships dock during peak seasons, the influx of hundreds to thousands of guests at once creates inherently challenging recruitment needs for skilled hospitality staff. The traditional employment model presents constraints, thus necessitating a more flexible and responsive staffing solution.
2. Acute Shortage in Regional Port Cities: Areas like Shimizu Port and Sakaiminato Port demand more multilingual guides. However, the lack of available foreign language guides has led to a reliance on guides from urban regions, leading to increased costs and logistical burdens.

Reelu's Innovative Shore Excursion Service

Reelu offers a comprehensive shore excursion service, handling all on-land arrangements from escorting guests upon disembarkation, to facilitating tours and live translation during experiences. The company matches the availability of elite personnel with the service standards required by luxury clientele, ensuring that every guest receives top-notch hospitality. Reelu's services are versatile under varying requirements:

- Flexible one-hour minimum engagements to accommodate quick, short tasks like escorting and transportation.
- More than ten language options, including English, Chinese (both Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, Spanish, and French, with additional offerings available.
- Coverage throughout Japan, with specific locations benefiting from an innovative hybrid remote guiding system.

Currently, the platform boasts a vetted pool of over 4,000 registered guides, ensuring high-quality service catered to luxurious needs. Reelu’s rigorous evaluation process guarantees that only those with exceptional language and hospitality skills are permitted to serve clients in luxury travel markets.

Addressing Regional Shortages with Remote Hybrid Guides

Reelu has uniquely addressed the talent gap in less populous port areas with its innovative remote hybrid guide concept. This model allows local Japanese-speaking taxi drivers or venue staff to manage transport and services while multilingual guides remain connected online, providing real-time translations and explanations throughout a guest's itinerary. This system enhances the visitor's experience without compromising service quality.

Client Success Story: Private Tours from Shimizu Port

An illustrative case involves a private tour from the base of Mount Fuji to Shimizu Port, in which a local Japanese-speaking driver managed transportation while a Reelu guide connected via iPad to facilitate communication and tour narration. The combination of native drivers and quality multi-language guides received outstanding reviews from guests who enjoyed a seamless travel experience.

Service Overview

Service Item	Details
-----	----------
Supported Services

Escorting, guiding, and translating among various other shore excursion tasks for cruise guests

Languages Offered

10+ languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and French

Coverage Area

Nationwide (with hybrid guiding available in some regions)

Registered Guides

Over 4,000 guides (all subject to thorough vetting)

Service Details

Reelu Service

Potential clients interested in cruise shore excursion services can reach out for inquiries through the provided contact form. The interactions at cruise ports present unique opportunities to make a lasting impression on visitors in a limited time. We seek to elevate Japan's inbound tourism experience by capitalizing on our network of over 4,000 qualified personnel and the innovative remote guiding system that ensures personalized engagement for every guest.