Blandford Capital brings former Audley Travel Chief Executive and current Chair of The Thinking Traveller Ian Simkins, together with David Wiseman, as Non-Executive Directors to Inside Travel Group and its renowned InsideJapan and InsideAsia Tours brands.
Broomfield, CO, US – Asia tour specialist Inside Travel Group has announced a significant new investment in the company and its brands by Blandford Capital LLP, readying itself for a new era of travel.
As travel restrictions disappear across Asia and Japan’s borders open again, Inside Travel Group and its specialist travel brands, InsideJapan Tours and InsideAsia Tours, look to fuel growth once again with committed investment and capital from private investment group Blandford Capital LLP. As part of the deal, Blandford Capital has introduced former Audley Travel Chief Executive and current Chair of The Thinking Traveller Ian Simkins, together with David Wiseman, as Non-Executive Directors to Inside Travel Group, bringing with them many years of industry and business expertise.
Ian Simkins said that the deal would support the company’s ambitious plans. “The InsideJapan and InsideAsia brands have a brilliant reputation with their clients and travel partners throughout the industry. We all see enormous potential in the continued growth of Japan, and the InsideAsia brand with its expanded portfolio of destinations including Malaysia, Borneo, Thailand, and South Korea.”
Inside Travel Group was co-founded in 2000 by university friends Alastair Donnelly and Simon King after living in Japan. InsideJapan Tours has built a reputation as the leading independent Japan travel specialist, and its Southeast and East Asia specialist sister-brand InsideAsia Tours continues to grow and reinforce its reputation as a provider of inspirational cultural adventures across the region.
Simon King, co-founder, said, “In strengthening our financial position and bringing onboard valuable industry and business expertise, we will not only continue to provide and enhance the quality of product and service that our InsideJapan and InsideAsia teams are known for – but also grow and expand our offerings.”
“We are delighted that Blandford, Ian, and David recognize the historical success and future potential of Inside Travel Group and are excited to work alongside like-minded partners whose business philosophy aligns with ours. We are unanimously committed to the growth of sustainable and responsible travel, and gaining B-Corp status,” Alastair Donnelly added.
Japan recently opened its borders to fully-escorted trips, with InsideJapan one of the first to run small group tours again. With the further easing of Japan’s border restrictions expected imminently, Thailand announcing the tapering of entry requirements from July, and other countries opening without restrictions, Asia is truly back on the travel map again.
Ian Simkins added, “We are investing in a proven company, product and team that we believe in as Asia opens up – the timing couldn’t be better.”
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