Here You Go, a comprehensive travel and leisure platform in South Korea, has completed its acquisition of Rilux, a high-end accommodation booking platform in Japan, marking a significant step in its global business expansion.
On July 29, Here You Go announced that the acquisition of Rilux will transition its business structure from a single market focus in Korea to a 'multi-home market' system in both Korea and Japan. The two platforms (K-Platform and J-Platform) will operate independently, while areas where sales and technology can complement each other will collaborate organically to create synergy.
The effects of the acquisition are expected to be visible as early as mid-August, with plans to integrate the accommodation inventory of both platforms. The goal is to allow bookings for approximately 3,000 Rilux properties in Japan through the Here You Go app this year, including popular cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, as well as traditional ryokans and luxury resorts in smaller towns. Additionally, Here You Go and Rilux plan to expand exclusive travel products available only through their platforms.
Rilux will focus on expanding its influence in the Japanese home market. It aims to diversify its offerings from high-end accommodations primarily targeting the 30s and 40s demographic to include trendy and casual options at reasonable prices that appeal to a broader audience in their 20s and 40s.
Furthermore, Rilux is developing outbound and inbound services for foreign travelers visiting Japan and Korea. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan reached approximately 42.68 million last year, a 15.8% increase from the previous record of about 36.87 million in 2024. Rilux plans to revamp its user interface and user experience with global customers in mind and is considering introducing new services such as overseas accommodations, flight tickets, and leisure tickets in the medium to long term.
Jung Myung-hoon, CEO of Here You Go Company, stated, "Just as Here You Go has grown into a leading travel and leisure platform starting from domestic accommodations, our goal is to successfully establish a second global Here You Go in Japan. This acquisition of Rilux will serve as a turning point in finding new business avenues in both the Korean and Japanese markets."
Alongside its global business expansion, Here You Go is also enhancing its responsible management for sustainable growth. On July 24, the company announced the formal release of its first sustainability report, which consolidates its business achievements over the past decade and its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework.
In this report, Here You Go introduced a 'four-step materiality assessment' process to derive practical ESG issues. Eight key issues selected based on global disclosure standards and stakeholder feedback include: managing the impact of climate change, promoting sustainable travel, enhancing employee engagement, supporting employee growth, fostering partner growth, improving customer experience, ensuring data privacy and security, and strengthening ethical management.
To implement these strategies, Here You Go has established four strategic directions under the vision of 'ensuring amazing experiences are continuous in life': responsible operations, innovative employees, mutually beneficial business practices, and sustainable travel.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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