JTB To Acquire Asia DMC Operator EXO Travel

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- JTB Corp has agreed to acquire all shares of Bangkok-based EXO Travel Group through a group company in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, strengthening its destination management capabilities and expanding its global travel network.

EXO Travel, operated by All Wise Holdings Pte Ltd, is a destination management company (DMC) focused on the business-to-business travel market across APAC. The company has built a strong presence over more than three decades, particularly among travel partners in Europe, North America and Australia.

In a statement, JTB said the acquisition supports its strategy of transforming from a Japan-centric business model into a globally connected network, enabling further growth under its "Departing Globally, Arriving Globally" initiative.

The company said EXO Travel's customer base in key long-haul markets and its destination management infrastructure across Asia would complement JTB's existing operations and enhance its ability to serve international travellers.

JTB added that the combination of EXO Travel's expertise in intra-Asia travel and the inbound tourism capabilities of JTB Global Marketing & Travel would help improve customer experiences and support growing demand for multi-destination travel across the region.

The acquisition is also expected to strengthen JTB's outbound travel business from Europe, North America and Australia to Asia, including Japan, while creating operational synergies through the integration of sales, marketing and operational functions.

Founded in 1993, EXO Travel is a destination management company operating across Asia and serving travel partners in Europe, North America and Australia.

JTB Corp, founded in 1912, is one of Japan's largest travel and tourism groups, providing leisure, corporate and educational travel services through a global network spanning 37 countries and regions.

-- BERNAMA