Japanese hospitality company Fujita Kanko will open two new overseas offices in Bangkok, Thailand and Jakarta, Indonesia in June. The openings are intended to accelerate the globalization of its business, one of the key goals the company has set for the next five years, aiming at 25 percent growth in overseas guests by 2019.
“Adding Bangkok and Jakarta bases is a critical step in our business plan,” said Akira Segawa, Fujita Kanko’s President and CEO. “Southeast Asia is a strategically important market – an increasingly strong inbound market for Japan, and also a very popular destination for Japanese travelers.” Mr. Segawa stressed the importance for the company of maximizing business opportunities in Southeast Asia. “We’ve built a broad range of hospitality expertise, and offer some of Japan’s most upscale, exquisite properties. We’re eager to welcome more international travelers, and to build local businesses, including opening hotels, in other Asian markets.”
The 60-year-old company opened its first overseas office in Shanghai in 2010 and added offices in Seoul and Taipei in 2012. A Singapore office was added in 2013 to strengthen marketing and sales and pursue business development opportunities in Southeast Asia. The Singapore office will be consolidated with the Jakarta office at the end of May, which will also oversee the Malaysian market.
Fujita Kanko will use its overseas offices to promote its 70+ properties in Japan and build international recognition for its businesses among travelers and other stakeholders. Last year, the company announced it will open a hotel in Seoul, Korea in 2018, its first overseas property since 2002.
