SKIMAX HONES IN ON JAPAN
SKIMAX Holidays has set its sights on Japan, with buoyant sales from the Australia market proving the country has made a “strong comeback” from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Speaking with travelbulletin, Skimax Holidays managing director Rodney Muller said Canada and the US have shown promising growth despite the softening Australian dollar. But Japan has been the standout with “very strong” bookings from Australian travellers for the season ahead. “Australians are finding Japan more attractive with more economical airfares and easier access and it has become a key destination for us,” he said. While Japan dropped off the radar for many travellers in the wake of the 2011 earthquake, Muller said competitive deals are seeing more Australians return year on year. “Japan has made a strong recovery. The market has grown substantially and we are now significantly ahead on the coming season,” he said. New product has been a “key focus” for Skimax as it looks to expand its portfolio, and the company last month announced a new partnership with Last Frontier Heliskiing to add 7-10 day heli ski packages to its books. “We recognise the importance of having a variety of options are we are committed to expanding our product base,” Muller said. Meanwhile, Skimax is offering an incentive in conjunction with Tourism California and Hawaiian Airlines which will reward agents with a ski holiday in March 2015. Agents who confirm bookings at selected Californian hotels will go in the draw to win a place on the famil.