Inside Travel Group, the B-Corp certified parent company of InsideAsia Tours and InsideJapan Tours, is preparing for a record-breaking year in 2025, bolstered by growing demand for authentic cultural travel experiences, particularly to Japan, Thailand, and South Korea.
Strengthening Trade Partnerships
With over two decades of expertise in bespoke tours, Inside Travel Group recognizes the growing importance of collaboration with travel advisors. In recent months, the company has focused on expanding its trade network in the United States. The appointment of Aaron Kuehn as Trade Partnerships Manager in November marks a strategic move to tap into his extensive connections with North American travel consortiums. This expansion comes on the heels of a $25 million investment from Piper and Cool Japan Fund, providing additional resources for the company’s continued growth.
Gabo Quiros, Global Trade Manager for Inside Travel Group, emphasized the importance of the company’s relationships with travel agents: “We’ve always viewed our trade partners as vital advocates, helping us provide the most detailed training and support so they can sell the best Asia tours available.”
Growing Demand for Tailored Experiences
Industry trends indicate a shift towards more personalized, bespoke travel experiences, as travelers increasingly reject generic itineraries in favor of customized trips. According to research, 80% of North American travel agency owners anticipate boosting their sales of personalized vacations in 2025. Inside Travel Group’s trips are fully tailored, with expert destination specialists—who have lived in the regions they sell—curating unique itineraries to match client preferences.
“As we look ahead to 2025, we’re committed to responsible, sustainable travel that addresses the issue of overtourism,” said Quiros. The company’s Cultural Adventure approach highlights lesser-known destinations, allowing clients to explore the unique cultural landscapes of Asia while avoiding the crowds at popular tourist spots.
Focus Areas for 2025
Inside Travel Group is promoting several distinctive travel experiences in 2025, blending popular destinations with authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures:
Japan Beyond the Golden Route: While Japan’s major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone remain popular, InsideJapan Tours encourages travelers to explore lesser-known regions such as the Hokuriku coast, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The HiddenZen itinerary, launched in early 2024, takes travelers along the newly opened Hokuriku shinkansen, connecting remote coastal towns like Kanazawa and Toyama, rich in culture and history.
Thailand’s Hidden Gems: InsideAsia Tours offers adventurous itineraries that go beyond the typical beach holiday. The Active Southern Thailand route caters to thrill-seekers with kayaking, cycling, rock climbing, and snorkeling. The company is also committed to ethical elephant experiences, partnering with sanctuaries like Elephant Hills, which offers responsible and immersive encounters with Thailand’s beloved elephants.
Cultural Korea: InsideAsia Tours has expanded its offerings for South Korea, capitalizing on the growing American interest in Korean food, music, and pop culture. The Soul of Korea tour, InsideAsia’s first small group tour, has already earned rave reviews and will continue to operate in 2025. The Culinary Korea tour introduces travelers to the country’s diverse and rich gastronomy, with dishes ranging from kimchi to Korean BBQ.
Empowering Advisors
Inside Travel Group has built a reputation for supporting its travel agents with comprehensive training and resources. With a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 90, one of the highest in the industry, the company’s trade partners are well-equipped to sell bespoke, culturally immersive trips that cater to modern travelers’ desires.
“We will continue to support our agents as they promote all of our destinations, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and beyond,” said Quiros. “Our goal is to empower our trade partners to create cultural adventures that elevate their clients’ travel experiences and lead to lifelong memories.”
As Inside Travel Group prepares for a record year in 2025, its emphasis on sustainable, authentic travel, combined with strong trade partnerships, positions it to meet the growing demand for personalized, responsible travel across Asia.
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