Barcelona-based eDreams has launched in Japan, describing the move as "a major step forward in [its] internationalization strategy."
In response to emailed questions, eDreams director of business development Pablo de Porcioles explains:
"Japan is not only the world's third economic power, but also the largest travel market in the Asia-Pacific and the second largest worldwide. The potential of Japan has been a key factor in the decision to go ahead with this launch. Japan has a large presence in different sectors thanks to its industrial capacity, its commercial strength and financial markets."
According to de Porcioles, online travel accounted for 38% of the Japanese markets in 2014.
However, 83% of the offline market is controlled by five agencies, and generally speaking online travel agents are relatively new entrants.
He says:
"Our biggest challenge currently is to gain market share both from Japanese travel agencies and well established US competitors already present in the country."
It hopes that a focus on domestic and low-cost flights will help it gain share from competitors. de Porcioles referred to JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) data which shows that domestic flights account for 80% of the market and are growing,
"so we think there is also much room for growth in the relatively new low-cost flight segment."
A dedicated mobile offering for Japan is also coming soon.
"Mobile is one of the most important segments for the Japanese market. About 45% of Japanese people browse the internet on their mobile even if they have a laptop or a computer at home."
eDreams' APAC portfolio also covers Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and Australia, where its regional office is based.