Escorted tours specialist, Collette, has added Japan to its programme for 2018.
A 13-day tour is featured in its 2018 preview edition brochure, which has been released two months earlier than usual due to demand.
The ‘Cultural Treasures of Japan’ itinerary has been put together by the group’s CEO Dan Sullivan, who personally visited the country.
It includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Takayama, a journey on the Shinkansen bullet train, and Mount Fuji.
Head of marketing Michelle Laverick said the firm had seen growing interest in the destination, particularly following Joanna Lumley’s three-part series on Japan which aired on ITV last autumn.
Collette has also added an extra tour in Iceland following ‘phenomenal’ demand.
"Most Iceland tours just go to the south but this one goes to the north, which is more off the beaten track and is more beautiful and rugged," said Laverick.
She said the company’s decision to de-coupled flights from its tours last year meant customers could choose from a wide variety of flight options to Iceland and Collette’s other destinations.
"It also means customers in the regions have more options and don’t have to fly through London," said Laverick.
Collette has reported a 25% year on year growth in sales in the UK.
"We are seeing phenomenal demand for 2018 which is why we decided to bring the preview brochure out early,’ Laverick added.
"We will be announcing more new destinations for 2018 when we launch our main brochure in September."
One of the main sponsors of this year’s Advantage Travel Conference, Collette has also signed up to be a headline sponsor at the Elite Conference in Magaluf in October.
Around 80-85% of its business comes through the trade.
This month it introduced a new online training programme for agents with OTT.
