K-Marketing Clients
K-Marketing has maintained an impressive list of clients in Australia for over 20 years, and now we also represent some of Japan’s leading tourism operators and destinations within Australia.
Australian Hotels | Resorts | Attractions
PULLMAN CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL
Kiyoshi has been associated with Pullman Cairns International since 1999, one of his longest serving clients. He first started to promote the hotel when under the management of Daikyo, then Mirvac in 2005 and now Accor. In partnership with K-Marketing, the hotel has always enjoyed the Japanese patronage and become one of the most iconic hotels in Cairns for the Japanese market. The hotel has maintained the strategic partnership with K-Marketing as Japan remains Cairns’s vital inbound market.
(August 1999 – Present)
NOVOTEL SURFERS PARADISE
To maximize revenue Novotel Surfers Paradise wished to attract the more lucrative market of Japanese wholesale FITs and incentive groups. K-Marketing instigated to build self-BBQ facilities nearby its outdoor recreation area and then effectively promoted these to key buyers in Japan. The hotel has been steadily increasing the targeted segments.
(June 2018 – Present)
BAILLIE LODGES
Since the COVID-19 shutdown of inbound tourism to Australia it is now prudent to prepare new marketing initiatives and attract new markets ready for inbound market re-opening. Given the inability to initiate traditional sales representation before markets reopen, new forms of online promotion are recommended. Although traditional sales representation is sill effective given the conservatism of Japanese wholesalers and of other Japanese mainstream travel distributors, for upmarket product such as Baille Lodges gaining the attention of exclusive travel retailers is also paramount.
(November 2020 – October 2021)
WHITSUNDAY APARTMENTS ON HAMILTON ISLAND
Whitsunday Apartments is a newly independent, mid-range accommodation choice on Hamilton Island. As a past client of K-Marketing the management of Whitsunday Apartments approached K-marketing for Asian sales and marketing clout. K-Marketing is embarking on a full sales and marketing programme for the property in both Japan and Mainland China.
(March 2013 – March 2021)
QT GOLD COAST
(formally GOLD COAST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL)
Traditionally used for mass Japanese tourism, Gold Coast International was sold through traditional distribution networks. Upon having re-branded the hotel with a multimillion refurbishment in early 2011, QT Gold Coast needed to re-position and re-invent itself to compete effectively with the plethora of Gold Coast hotels and apartments. The two key strategies adopted by K-Marketing have been to increase yield and to attract more FIT travellers direct. Kiyoshi selectively targeted and secured the lucrative wedding and honeymoon market.
(August 1999 – March 2019)
QT HOTELS & RESORTS
With the opening of QT Sydney, QT’s owners, Event Hospitality & Entertainment, believe its boutique luxury accommodation is ideal for the luxury Japanese travel market. There are now nine hotels and plans for expansion across the region. Japanese travellers have become increasingly independent in their choice and style of accommodation as its market matures, and QT Hotels & Resorts now answers this need of discernment. K-Marketing implemented its Japanese market business plan for QT Hotels & Resorts, which included in-market sales, PR and advertising.
(November 2012 – March 2019)
ACCOR FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
With 9 hotels and resorts within Far North Queensland the Japanese market is a vital source of business for Accor hotels. Two Pullman properties plus Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort have traditionally captured the Japanese market, and K-Marketing has now been retained to ensure that these markets continue to flow through Accor doors. K-Marketing has an existing and strong relationships with Pullman Cairns International and ex-Mirvac Hotels within this region, and thus K-Marketing is Accor’s logical choice.
(February 2013 – January 2015)
PAN PACIFIC HOTELS GROUP
Pan Pacific Hotels Group has identified that both the Japanese and Chinese markets as growth opportunities for occupancy. With this in mind, K-Marketing has been contracted to develop both markets for Pan Pacific’s four Australian hotels. With the huge and recent Parkroyal Darling Harbour Sydney refurbishment, Pan Pacific are seeking Japanese and Chinese luxury travellers to fill their beds. Perth is now seeking substantial China business, whilst Melbourne Airport and Parramatta see markets as top-up.
(August 2012 – July 2014)
SEA TEMPLE/QUAY WEST/THE SEBEL/CITIGATE (formally MIRVAC HOTELS & RESORTS)
Unknown Japan, hotels and resorts under The Sebel, Sea Temple, Quay West and Citigate brands needed to gain patronage from the conservative Japanese buyer – wholesalers and retailers alike – who felt more comfortable dealing with the big international brands. K-Marketing offered the ability to target both mainstream and niche buyers and offer them a selection of the product that met their specific requirements. Gaining product loyalty or repeat business was one of K-Marketing’s key strategies. Through Kiyoshi’s contacts and relationships, their Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney hotels now attract annually prestigious Japanese incentive group programs plus a number of Japanese student groups.
(September 2005 – January 2013)
CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Historic Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary had been through several incarnations, and was floundering as a desired destination for international travellers. The business had solely concentrated on the Australian domestic market. Over a five-year period K-Marketing gained insignificant business, increasing from 7,700 Japanese per annum to over 44,000 Japanese a year. K-Marketing’s formula was to create a series of specifically tailored Japanese packages. These were developed through alliances with other leading and complimentary nearby attractions. Kiyoshi Matsumoto then successfully sold these packages in Japan.
(October 2006 – January 2011)
Inbound Travel & Tourism to Japan
JAPAN TOURISM AGENCY AND BRAND JAPAN
With Japan’s tourism sector expanding its global reach, efforts to strengthen ties between Japanese and Australian travel industries are in motion. An online business meeting project is facilitating collaboration between Japanese tourism operators, DMOs, and 15 leading Australian travel agencies. This initiative, backed by Japan Tourism Agency and Brand Japan, aims to drive future travel opportunities through strategic discussions and market insights, culminating in a comprehensive performance report to shape future promotional efforts.
(November 2023 – March 2024)
SHIGA KOGEN & SURROUNDING TOURIST ATTRACTIONS PROMOTION PROJECT
The Shiga Kogen and surrounding tourism promotion project is actively boosting awareness and engagement among travel agencies and media. Running from April 2023 to August 2024, this initiative highlights the region’s unique offerings, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
The project is led by the Town of Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, and the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort Ropeway Association, aiming to strengthen tourism ties and increase travel demand.
Key activities include on-site tourism seminars and business meetings, online networking with travel agencies, and strategic collaborations with consulates, JNTO, and Tourism Australia. Additionally, a dedicated event in Sydney will engage ski agents and media representatives, enhancing Japan’s appeal as a premier winter destination.
(April 2023 – August 2024)
SNOW TRAVEL EXPO IN SYDNEY & MELBOURNE
With the Hokkaido Ski Resort Promotion Project in full swing, efforts to boost winter tourism are underway. From March to June 2022, the initiative focused on enhancing Hokkaido’s presence in international markets, including participation in major Snow Travel Expos in Melbourne and Sydney. The project supported resort participants, managed promotional booths, engaged with consumers through surveys, and strengthened ties with local snow travel agents—all aimed at driving greater interest and visitation to Hokkaido’s world-class ski destinations.
(March 2022 to June 2022)
THE WORLD MASTERS GAMES 2021 KANSAI
The World Masters Games rescheduled for Kansai for May 2022 is creating much excitement amongst international athletes. This is the first time a Masters Games has been held in Asia and attracting significant participation from both Japan and other regional countries.
K-Marketing is Japan tourism consultancy based in Sydney and has recently been appointed as PR consultant to promote the World Masters Games Kansai in Australian and New Zealand Market.
(September 2020 – March 2021)
GO CENTRAL JAPAN
With Rugby World Cup in 2019 and Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2020, the Central Japan region’s development in tourism infrastructure is underway, including a massive anime theme park, the introduction of new global hotel brands, extensive convention and exhibition facilities and the world’s fastest transportation system.
K-Marketing is Japan tourism consultancy based in Sydney and has recently been appointed as PR consultant to market CENTRAL JAPAN region in Australian market.
(July 2019 – March 2020)
TOHOKU JAPAN
Eleven Ski Resorts in Tohoku are jointly promoting the region by offering Australian snow travellers the resort ticket coupons at $185 that can be used at any of the following participating resorts in exchange for lift or other services.
This is the first instance that these snow resorts in Tohoku have got their act together to promote the ski resorts in the regions. By doing so we are aiming to establish our brand as alternative snow destinations in Japan. K-Marketing is Japan tourism consultancy based in Sydney and has recently been appointed as marketing consultant to promote TOHOKU region of Japan in Australian market.
(November 2018 – March 2020)
