Outbound-tour operator UTour announced on August 31 the strategic acquisition of a Japanese ground handler. The move is expected to enhance its procurement of travel resources in Japan, improve product development and optimize services for Chinese travelers to Japan. With the acquisition, Utour aims to look beyond group tours and explore independent travel to Japan.

China National Tourism Administration revealed that Japan, as the largest destination market for China, attracted nearly 5 million Chinese visitors in 2015, 107% more than the year before. The number of group travelers and individual travelers continue to grow, and Japan will remain a popular destination for Chinese visitors, especially for short breaks.

The Tokyo-based ground handler that UTour acquired has set up a tour company specially for Chinese visitors, handling group and individual travelers, governmental officials, companies, students and business travelers. It has established long-term partnerships with over 100 hotel, coach and restaurant suppliers and provides theme tours to all of Japan, some of them customized tours of hot spring, sakura, Mt Fuji and shopping. (Translated by Claire)