Abstract
Tour operators (land operators) have for many years been the backbone of international travel by Japanese people. They operate amidst extremely tight restraints, and are constantly impacted by excessive price competition and other factors. As the business environment surrounding the Japanese travel industry continues to change beyond recognition, operators have begun to diversify away from their core business and develop business opportunities in other areas. This paper takes a further look at the work carried out by a tour operator, and looks at examples from the past and present to make observations in regard to the potential for diversification. It is thought possible that this trend may result in a complete change to the landscape of the travel industry in Japan.
