Aspire to host 25 agents in Japan for The Retreat 2023

Aspire’s annual overseas VIP event The Retreat will be held in Japan in 2023, it has been revealed.

The event will be held between November 23 and 30, and is being organised in partnership with Tourism Exchange Japan, ANA - All Nippon Airways, hotel brand Prince Hotels & Resorts and specialist tour operator InsideJapan.

The trip will see 25 top UK luxury-focused agents travel to Japan alongside 15 suppliers, with the aim of helping the group build stronger business relationships.

The group will initially stay at Prince Park Tower Tokyo for three nights, where one-to-one business meetings will be held alongside fun experiences showcasing the destination. The agents and suppliers will then be split into small groups and taken on two-night fam trips across the country before everyone returns to Tokyo for one extra night to share their experiences. On the last night, agents will be hosted at Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo.

Aspire editor Hollie-Rae Brader said: “I’m delighted to announce that our annual Retreat will be heading to Japan next year. I’ve been wanting to host this event there for several years, but the pandemic put those plans on pause. As the country emerges from the pandemic, having only recently fully opened its borders, there’s never been a better opportunity to showcase this very special place to the trade. This is going to be a trip of a lifetime. A huge thank you to our headline partners for working with us at Aspire to pull the event together.”

Numerous suppliers have already confirmed their participation. Atlantis The Royal, Carrier, Explora Journeys, Oceania Cruises, One&Only and Silversea have signed up to attend, with more suppliers set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Any supplier brands interested in attending should email Hollie@travelweekly.co.uk

A word from our partners

Satoshi Funatogawa, regional director of sales for Europe, Prince Hotels & Resorts

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Aspire on The Retreat at the Prince Hotels in Tokyo. As a Japanese native brand, we pride ourselves on being a gateway to an authentic Japan, offering the best in cuisine alongside excellent Japanese hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you next year!”

Mika White, director, Tourism Exchange Japan

“We’re thrilled to be working with Aspire to deliver The Retreat in Japan for the first time next year. Through our destination partners, Tourism Exchange Japan gives the trade access to Japan’s wealth of tourism products from traditional inns and luxury hotels to exciting tours and unique heritage sites. We look forward to showing you the land of the rising sun and what it can offer your clients.”

Matt Spiller, trade sales and marketing manager, Inside Travel Group

“InsideJapan is extremely excited to welcome The Retreat to Tokyo next year. No longer considered a niche destination, Japan is now more accessible than ever and our team in Tokyo can’t wait to help everyone on The Retreat get beneath the surface of this truly unique and fascinating country. There’s no doubt everyone will be hooked and will want to go back!”

Julie Murphy, country sales manager UK and Ireland, ANA – All Nippon Airways

“We are thrilled to be co-hosting The Retreat to Japan and showcasing the destination’s largest domestic network, our latest cabin products and our award-winning five-star services to the industry’s leading luxury agents and tour operators. The Retreat is the perfect opportunity to expand product knowledge of Tokyo and beyond and a chance to experience the culture, cuisine and customs of Japan first hand. We will work hard to ensure your trip is productive and memorable. We look forward to welcoming you on board.”