EXO Travel, a destination management company with a strong footprint across Asia, has formally become part of JTB Group. The integration follows JTB’s acquisition of EXO’s parent company, All Wise Holdings Pte Ltd, as announced on 18 June.
Under the agreement, EXO Travel will retain its existing leadership structure. CEO Hamish Keith and the current management teams across its destination offices and regional hubs will continue to run day-to-day operations. For partners and clients, the transition is designed to be seamless: existing teams, operational structures, and points of contact remain unchanged, with no disruption to current bookings, services, or agreements.
Shared Vision for Quality and Sustainability
Keith described the partnership as a positive step for the company, its people, and its global partners. “JTB is one of the most respected travel companies globally, and we share a common purpose and long-term vision built around quality, relationships and meaningful travel experiences,” he said.
JTB Group president and CEO Eijiro Yamakita echoed that sentiment, highlighting EXO Travel’s reputation for sustainable tourism and community collaboration. “EXO Travel has earned deep trust across Asia and beyond through its commitment to sustainable tourism and its collaborative approach with local communities, creating value for both partners and destinations,” Yamakita said. “By joining forces with EXO Travel whose values closely align with the JTB Group’s mission, and combining this with JTB’s global network and expertise, we are confident that this partnership will elevate travel experiences while contributing to the continued advancement of the global travel and hospitality industry.”
The deal gives EXO Travel access to JTB’s global distribution network and resources, while JTB gains deeper regional expertise in key Asian markets. This mirrors broader trends in the travel industry where larger groups acquire specialized DMCs to strengthen their ground operations — similar to how Cox & Kings returned to Australia under A&K Travel Group.
Business as Usual for Partners
EXO Travel will continue to invest in its people, product, operations, and sustainability initiatives. Keith emphasized that the company’s culture and partner-first approach remain intact. “EXO has been successful over the past 30 years due to our local expertise, our culture and our commitment to service excellence delivered by a high performing team of committed people,” he said. “We will continue operating with the same leadership, teams and partner-first approach that our agents and clients know today, while benefiting from the additional scale, resources and opportunities that being part of the JTB Group will bring.”
The partnership is expected to create new opportunities for growth across Asia and beyond, combining EXO Travel’s on-the-ground knowledge with JTB’s global reach. For travel agents and tour operators working with EXO, the integration should open up new product possibilities and enhanced support, particularly in markets where JTB has strong distribution, such as Japan and North America.
This acquisition comes at a time when the travel industry is seeing consolidation among DMCs and tour operators, as companies seek scale to navigate post-pandemic recovery and shifting traveler preferences. The move also aligns with JTB’s strategy to expand its inbound and outbound offerings beyond its traditional Japanese customer base.
For EXO Travel, the deal provides financial stability and access to JTB’s technology and marketing capabilities, which could help the DMC enhance its digital offerings and sustainability programs. The company has long been recognized for its responsible tourism practices, and the partnership may accelerate those efforts.
Industry observers note that the acquisition could also benefit hoteliers and airlines in the region, as EXO Travel’s expanded resources may lead to increased booking volumes and more tailored itineraries. The DMC works with a range of carriers and properties across Southeast Asia, including Bangkok Airways, Singapore Airlines, and hotel groups like Minor Hotels and Accor.
As the integration proceeds, EXO Travel’s partners can expect continuity in service delivery while gradually gaining access to new tools and markets. The company’s leadership remains focused on maintaining the local expertise that has defined its brand for three decades.
