For travel agencies
Not every agency is strong on Asia, and there is nothing wrong with that. Priorities differ. That is exactly why we run a program built for your business. From a single air booking to a complete package, a dedicated B2B framework is the shortest route to a satisfied client.
How we help your business
Here is a situation you may recognise. You do not need Japan product of your own to keep saying yes to your clients.
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Step 1
Your strength is Europe
Years of supplier relationships and a deep on-the-ground network, all pointed at Europe. That is your advantage.
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Step 2
Your client wants Japan
Then the enquiry arrives: next time, we want to go to Japan. Turn it down and the whole trip goes to another agency.
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Step 3
You do not know where to start
Air, lodging, domestic transport, rail passes. Arranging travel inside Japan eats hours in research alone when you do not do it often.
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Step 4
IACE builds it, you sell it
We handle the arrangements behind the scenes; the client relationship stays yours. You sell it under your own brand.
Our story since 1970
Where IACE TRAVEL came from, and what it has to offer now. Four turning points.
The Start | It began with charter flights
The company was founded in New York. At the time no carrier operated scheduled service to Japan: there was demand but no supply. So we chartered aircraft, and getting Japanese clients home safely became our first business.
Involvement | Putting the network to work
The industry woke up to demand for Asia and carriers began scheduling flights to Japan and the rest of the region. Drawing on what we had learned running charters, we signed contracts individually with airlines, hotels and ground transport operators, which took us deep inside the industry. The result was a large gain in price competitiveness, and a lower cost of experiencing Asia for travellers.
The Growth | Becoming an industry leader
That solid network made IACE TRAVEL one of the leaders in the field. We reached the highest number of air ticket segments sold to Japan, and have held that position for years. As Japan has grown in popularity as a destination, that competitive edge has only sharpened.
Reliably Stable | Expanding worldwide
As demand for Asia steadied, so did the business, and we extended our network of offices worldwide in order to deliver faster, simpler service. Today that means 43 offices in Japan, 2 elsewhere in Asia and 22 in North America.
- Japan 43 offices. From Hokkaido to Okinawa, we handle local arrangements in-house
- Asia 2 offices. We can connect to destinations in Asia beyond Japan
- North America 22 offices. Same time zones as you, and the same language
What we can offer travel agencies
The inventory we contract for directly becomes product you can sell as your own.
- Private Contracted Airfare We hold contracts with almost every carrier flying Japan and Asia routes. The fares apply to FIT and group alike, on terms that never appear in published fares.
- Contracted Hotel / Ryokan Rates From business hotels to Japanese ryokan, booked at contracted rates. Start with us at the question of which city and which neighbourhood your clients should be staying in.
- Private Transportation Public transport in Japan is exceptionally good, but it cannot match the convenience and flexibility of a private vehicle. We arrange everything from airport transfers to private cars for a full touring itinerary.
- Bullet Train & Japan Rail Pass The most advanced rail system in the world. Beyond booking the seats, we run the numbers on whether a pass is worth buying for that itinerary or whether paying per trip is cheaper.
- Private Assistant A bilingual assistant travels with your clients as a tour guide, as help with the luggage, and as the coordinator holding the whole thing together.
Who does what
The client relationship is yours. The arrangements inside Japan are ours.
| Item | Your agency | IACE TRAVEL |
|---|---|---|
| Client contact and sales | You handle it | We never contact them directly |
| Itinerary design and build | Tell us what is needed | We handle it |
| Air on Japan and Asia routes | Nothing to do | Booked at contracted fares |
| Lodging (hotels and ryokan) | Nothing to do | Booked at contracted rates |
| Domestic transport and rail passes | Nothing to do | Booking plus the cost comparison |
| On-the-ground assistance and guiding | Nothing to do | Bilingual staff arranged |
| Payment | Paid to IACE | Received by cheque or credit card |
How we work together
From first enquiry to ready for departure, in six steps.
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01
Enquiry
Get in touch by email or phone. An outline of the client itinerary and the type of services you need is enough to start.
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02
First proposal
Working from the dates, destinations, party size and budget, your agent puts a plan together.
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03
Your approval
Once you approve the plan, we issue a detailed quote.
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04
Confirmation
If nothing needs adjusting, we confirm the bookings as they stand.
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05
Payment
You pay IACE TRAVEL by cheque or credit card.
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06
Ready for departure
We send final confirmations and a detailed itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Will you ever contact my client directly?
No. The client relationship stays with you. We work with your staff, and itineraries and documents go to you. You pass them on to the client in your own format.
Can I book a single component, such as air or lodging only?
Yes. A full package or one air booking, either is fine. Take only the pieces you need.
Do you handle FIT, groups, or both?
Both. Our contracted air fares apply to FIT and group bookings alike. You are welcome to come to us before the passenger count is final.
Can you handle Asia beyond Japan?
Yes. Asia has been our core business since we were founded, and we have offices in the region. Ask us about itineraries that combine Japan with other countries.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cheque or credit card, payable to IACE TRAVEL. Full terms come with the quote.
What should I include in a first enquiry?
Estimated party size, destinations, travel dates and the type of services needed. Those four let us go straight to a first proposal. A rough budget makes it more accurate still.
Tell us about your client itinerary
A quick note on party size, destinations and the services you need gets you a faster first reply. A rough idea at the exploratory stage is perfectly fine.
- Contracted Japan and Asia fares for FIT and groups
- 43 offices in Japan, 2 in Asia and 22 in North America
- The client stays yours; the arrangements are ours