EXHIBITORS and buyers told TTN about their show experiences.
BUYERS
To be honest, compared to some other shows I’ve been to, it’s been mind blowing. The design of the stands (almost enclosed) means it’s quiet and private and it’s exactly the right atmosphere for doing business and I have done a lot of business here. We only deal with the luxury sector and that is what I am finding here.
I have not previously had a lot of demand for Japan as a destination but, with clients from all over the world, this is gradually increasing and this show has given me the chance to make face-to-face contact with people so that I am happy entrusting my clients to them.
Obviously, it’s a new show and, like a baby, it will crawl before it runs but I believe this is an event that will grow and grow.
– Ashok Raval, Aseel Travel & Tourism, Oman
The show offers our clients different concepts. Because it is smaller than some of the other shows I was able to spend a bit more time with the people I have met which gives an opportunity to build a relationship.
From Saudi, Japan is a growing market, it was primarily of interest to our business travellers but then, when they come here, they see what’s on offer and want to bring their families so what we will be promoting to them is the assimilation of the culture and education.
Since we’re dealing with the very high end, I have been looking at things I can promote to them as experiences so the opportunity to meet with a hotel provider and the private concierge companies has been really useful and I hope to create interest for the ryokan concept now that I have seen it.
– Roshan Pillai, Amex, Saudi Arabia
This is my first time in Japan. We already have some interest and are sending people here, the market is certainly opening up and now, having had the chance to come and see it for myself, I will have renewed confidence in recommending it to our clients so I think the show is a very good thing and has come at the right time.
– Marie-Louise Moineau, Tselana Travel, Paris
EXHIBITORS
We are the biggest department store and one of the oldest companies in Japan. We’re at Blossom to speak to travel agents about our service called ‘Your Secretary‘ which we offer to VVIP customers who may want to shop alone or visit our art gallery or 500-seat theatre. We have previously offered this service for Japanese customers and have now launched the same option for foreign visitors with foreign speaking clerks and personal shoppers.
This will be organised through the buyers so that’s who we want to form relationships with. I think the show is a good idea for Japan, it will open up the market, we have already met buyers who have said they will introduce our product to their clients.
– Toshiya Kusamichi, manager Mitsukoshi Nihombashi, Tokyo
I think the show is something that has been needed for a long time. The Japanese people are brilliant and the welcome is second to none but they have previously not encouraged foreign visitors, that is now changing and Blossom is a great start to help open them up to oversees buyers and hopefully help them understand how to really market the country effectively.
– Cy West, Conrad Tokyo
It’s been excellent, there has been a lot of interest from buyers and I have had back-to-back meetings the whole three days with people very interested to learn about our product. This is clearly the event Tokyo has been waiting for.
– Hiren Mazgaonkar, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi