Inside Travel Group secures a £20 million investment for its growth trajectory.
- Piper and Cool Japan Fund partner with the operator for strategic expansion.
- The company eyes further success following significant growth since 2022.
- Investments to bolster community-based tourism and sustainability initiatives.
- New partnerships to enhance customer and trade partner satisfaction.
Inside Travel Group is poised for a significant expansion phase after securing a £20 million investment from Piper, a B Corporation focusing on consumer brands, and Cool Japan Fund, a Japanese sovereign wealth entity promoting cultural engagement globally. This investment aims to support the company’s next stage of growth and development.
The company, co-founded by Simon King and Alastair Donnelly in 2000, has witnessed remarkable growth since 2022, a pivotal year when Japan was among the last to reopen its borders post-Covid. An initial investment from Blandford Capital LLP marked the beginning of this upward trajectory, and the current investment from Piper and Cool Japan Fund is set to further enhance its capabilities.
Co-founder Alastair Donnelly expresses enthusiasm about partnering with Piper for their brand expertise and Cool Japan Fund for their strategic focus. He stated, “We are eager to work together to achieve even greater success into the future,” highlighting a continued commitment to delivering outstanding service and memorable experiences for customers and trade partners alike.
The company prides itself on its B Corp certification achieved in May 2023, underscoring its commitment to social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. By rebuilding its workforce to over 250 employees under a ‘better and stronger’ ethos, Inside Travel Group has made strategic moves in boosting client and trade partner satisfaction, achieving Net Promoter Scores of 85 and 90, respectively.
Inside Travel Group’s most successful year to date saw a 33% increase in departure revenue, reaching £65 million. This success is attributed to their strategic rebuilding post-Covid and aligns with their mission of ‘travel as a force for good’, benefiting both customers and local communities through expanded offerings and sustainable practices.
The expansion strategy includes increasing destination offerings in Asia, with a focus on community-based tourism and sustainability. New developments under the InsideAsia brand include adding destinations like South Korea and Thailand, contributing to a tripling of revenue since the pandemic recovery began.
Dan Stern, a partner at Piper, acknowledged the company’s robust culture and market potential, emphasising the rapid growth of Asia-focused travel. Similarly, Masaki Takayanagi from Cool Japan Fund highlighted the partnership’s aim to foster deeper connections between travellers and Japanese culture through immersive experiences.
Inside Travel Group is set to advance its growth and impact within the travel industry, leveraging new investments and partnerships.
