Browsing: Culture & Leisure TV

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.

Armenia: Discovering Armenian traditional and cultural wonders with the Phoenix Tour family agency.
Phoenix Tour is a family-run travel agency (DMC – Destination Management Company) based in Armenia that has been operating for over 17 years. Ani, the representative, outlines the agency’s specific features and highlights the tourism assets of Armenia and the Caucasus.
Armenia, the Caucasus’s best-kept secret, is opening up to the world.
Traditionally renowned for its historical heritage and high-mountain landscapes, Armenia is now establishing itself as a rising, multifaceted tourist destination. Offering a blend of adventure tourism, sun-drenched cuisine, and regional openness, the country attracts an increasingly international audience while preserving its authenticity, far removed from mass tourism.

Whether for business, vacation, or medical transport, St Barth Executive adapts to every need to provide the best solutions, offering a unique discovery experience through the world of air travel.

The company aims to expand its distribution network among tourism professionals (tour operators, travel agencies) and businesses requiring corporate travel within the region. It serves a diverse clientele for inter-island travel, ranging from private individuals and vacationers visiting from mainland France or elsewhere for tourism or shopping to business travelers and school groups. The healthcare sector is another key area, as the company holds contracts with hospitals in Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy, utilizing an aircraft equipped for medical evacuations.

St Barth Executive focuses on three main business lines: private charters, scheduled flights, and medical evacuations. The company distinguishes itself through premium/business-class comfort bringing the private charter experience to scheduled routes and a very modern fleet. Regarding environmental impact, Sandra BAILLY notes that the current priority remains improving connectivity and accessibility for the islands, particularly given that the very short runways impose significant technical constraints on aircraft selection.

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.

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

Mother Savage – Lumina Wang