Browsing: Culture & Leisure

Japan : Tokyo, Capital of Hospitality. How Literature and Art Are Reimagining the Hotel Experience.
At a time when global travelers increasingly seek authentic, immersive experiences, two unique Tokyo properties are standing out for their innovative approach to traditional Japanese hospitality. Blending classic literature with avant-garde visual arts, the Shiba Park Hotel and the Park Hotel Tokyo transform a standard holiday or business stay into a deep cultural journey. We met in Paris with Yumi Kukuto, the Public Relations Director shaping the international image of these two urban gems.
Redefining Omotenashi Through Human Creativity.In the competitive landscape of luxury global hospitality, Tokyo holds a special position. The Japanese metropolis seamlessly blends dizzying technological modernity with deeply rooted, ancient customs. At the heart of this philosophy lies Omotenashi, the Japanese concept of hospitality that goes far beyond customer service: it is the art of anticipating a guest’s every need with genuine sincerity and absolute discretion.
Yet, while many international hotel chains choose to standardize their offerings, one Japanese hotel group has placed a bold bet on the exact opposite. Under the strategic guidance of PR Director Yumi Kukuto, two premier properties in the capital have chosen to weave human creative expression directly into their brand identity: one through the written word, the other through visual arts.
Attending the trade show in Paris, Yumi Kukuto shared insights into the strong connection that Western travelers share with Japanese culture. With more than 95% of their guests arriving from Europe, Northern America, and Australia, these two properties have turned into cultural embassies for long-haul international visitors. Here is a closer look at two distinct hotel philosophies redefining the standards of luxury travel.

With ZooParc de Beauval, it’s not about the show “L’amour est dans le pré” (Love is in the Meadow), but rather “Love for Animals “.

We met Jérôme Le Tutour, Group Sales Manager for ZooParc de Beauval, at the IFTM 2026 trade show, and he kindly agreed to an interview. Based in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, France, ZooParc de Beauval welcomes millions of visitors both adults and children. Renowned for its zoological park, it offers unique areas for all audiences, including “Bucolia & Les Terres Rouges,” “MonstroZoo,” and many other surprises waiting to be discovered. With carefully chosen nature-inspired themes, the park features immersive settings like the African Savanna and Australia, making visitors feel as though they have traveled to the other side of the world. To cater to younger visitors, Jérôme Le Tutour highlighted the “MonstroZoo” concept; beyond that, the park offers summer water play areas for cooling off, as well as walking paths and various activities to explore across the vast grounds. Accommodation options including hotels and houses are available for booking, and there are shows designed specifically to entertain children, while corporate event spaces are offered for adults.

From mountain resorts to leisure parks, Compagnie des Alpes steadily grows its audience year after year. Through Compagnie des Alpes, customers worldwide can make bookings to visit their desired leisure destinations. Compagnie des Alpes acts much like a directory for leisure venues, advising and guiding the public toward parks and other types of leisure activities. It manages all leisure-related inquiries and directs users to its partners’ websites.

A six-time recipient of the Indian government’s National Award between 2014 and 2019, the Somatheeram Ayurveda Group has achieved great international success across a wide range of activities from medical science and the art of living to wellness nutrition, cultural experiences, and therapeutic travel. This major group of companies has also successfully established a presence in France (including Normandy) and across the globe. Renowned for its expertise, proven track record in medical science, and commitment to the “science of life” and ecological respect, the Somatheeram Group was pleased to meet us at the IFTM 2025 trade show and share its knowledge. The founder of Discovery Edition had the opportunity to participate in various activities in Normandy, including Ayurvedic massage, specialized cuisine prepared by a Group subsidiary, and holistic wellness treatments. Having visited a location about 45 minutes from Fécamp, Olivier Tangkun retains fond memories of the experience and can attest that the Somatheeram Ayurveda Group offers the very best in therapy.

Ak-Sai Travel is an agency unlike any other—offering adventure, sports, and cultural experiences in Central Asia.

Alain Fettig – Europa Park