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By leveraging Internova’s extensive network and Bear Luxe Japan’s expertise, this initiative plays a key role in positioning Kyoto, and Japan as a whole, more prominently within the global luxury market.
Bear Luxe Japan partners with Internova Travel Group and Kyoto City Tourism Association to explore the future of luxury travel and sustainable tourism at groundbreaking event
KYOTO, JAPAN (February 21, 2025) – Bear Luxe Japan, a leading travel company specializing in connecting Japan’s independent luxury hotels with the global affluent market, is proud to co-host the Bear Leaders Summit 2025 with Internova Travel Group and the Kyoto City Tourism Association. Set for 25 February 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, this exclusive event—the first of its kind in Japan—will explore global luxury travel trends and sustainable tourism initiatives in Kyoto.
The Bear Leaders Summit 2025 marks the inaugural collaboration between Internova Travel Group, the Kyoto City Tourism Association, and Bear Luxe Japan, establishing a long-term partnership to position Kyoto and Japan as premier luxury travel destinations for Internova’s network of advisors in the leisure, corporate, entertainment, and luxury sectors. As one of the largest travel services companies in the world, Internova represents over 100,000 travel advisors across more than 6,000 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and over 80 other countries.
The initiative also represents the Kyoto City Tourism Association’s first official endorsement of an event focused on sustainable luxury tourism, reinforcing the city’s commitment to the future of travel and tourism.
The forum will feature a keynote address by Haisley Smith, Vice President of Partner Relations at Internova Travel Group, who oversees the company’s In-Country Partners and Tour programs.
Also attending will be a delegation of 10 top luxury travel advisors from Global Travel Collection, who are visiting Japan to gain the latest and firsthand insights into Kyoto’s most exclusive and high-value tourism offerings. Global Travel Collection, Internova’s high-service premium and luxury travel agency, represents the most sophisticated community of travel advisors and agencies worldwide. Renowned for designing and curating bespoke, high-end experiences for affluent travelers, these advisors will deepen their knowledge of Kyoto’s unique offerings and further elevate their efforts to promote the destination to a global market.
Bear Leaders Summit 2025 Exclusive Trade Event
The forum will be followed by an exclusive trade event, offering one-on-one business meetings between Japan’s most iconic luxury hotels—including Bear Luxe Japan member properties and those in the SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova collection—and Internova’s top luxury travel advisors, along with media partners.
This event is designed to increase international visibility and create global sales opportunities for Japan’s luxury hospitality sector. By leveraging Internova’s extensive network and Bear Luxe Japan’s expertise, this initiative plays a key role in positioning Kyoto, and Japan as a whole, more prominently within the global luxury market.
Forum Details
Date: 25 February 2025 (Tuesday) 13:30 – 14:30
Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto (Meeting Room: Kocho)
Hosted by: Bear Luxe Japan
Supported by: Internova Travel Group and Kyoto City Tourism Association
Forum Program
The Current State & Challenges of Kyoto’s Tourism and Sustainable Tourism Initiatives (10 min)
Speaker: Takuya Horie, Senior Specialist, DMO Planning & Marketing, Kyoto City Tourism Association
Latest on Luxury – The Future of High-End Travel (30 min)
Speaker: Haisley Smith, Vice President, Partner Relations, Internova Travel Group
Speaker’s Profile
Haisley Smith
Vice President, Partner Relations, Internova Travel Group
Haisley Smith is a key member of Internova’s Partner Relations team, where she oversees the In-Country Partners and Tour programs for 6,000 agencies and 100,000 travel advisors globally. With her expertise in strategic partnerships and market innovations, Haisley plays a key role in shaping the future of luxury travel.
About the Organizers & Partners
Kyoto City Tourism Association
The official tourism body of Kyoto, dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing visitor experiences in the city.
Bear Luxe Japan
A curated network of Japan’s premier independent luxury hotels, connecting over 70 high-end properties with the global luxury travel market through an advanced booking system and exclusive marketing programs.
Internova Travel Group
One of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions with a network of more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations.
