New York, NY (May 15, 2018) – More than 70 members from Travel Leaders Network – one of America’s largest retail travel agency organizations – recently returned from the 19^th annual International Summit in Kyoto, Japan. In partnership with the Japan National Tourism Organization, Travel Leaders Network owners and managers, along with their guests, had the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most fascinating and historic cultural destinations from April 27-30, 2018. This year’s International Summit attracted 74 attendees, including Travel Leaders Network President Roger E. Block, CTC.

“Each Travel Leaders Network International Summit provides a unique opportunity for both conducting our meeting and exploring the destination,” said Block. “We couldn’t have picked a better location this year than Kyoto, the celebrated center of traditional Japanese culture with over 1,200 years of history. The main focus of our International Summit is to provide participants with time to get better acquainted with our leadership and explore the host destination. We’d like to thank our sponsors and dedicated partners who not only increased the value of the experience for our Travel Leaders Network members but also recognize that it will help our agents better serve their clients.”

The summit started on April 27, with a reception and dinner at Sodoh Higashiyama. This beautiful venue is the 1920s residence of master Japanese painter Seiho Takeuchi. Attendees also had multiple options for guided exploration of Kyoto’s unique sights, sounds and tastes with highlights including a visit to Gion, which is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, exploring the Nishiki Market and Nishijin Textile Center, eating seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, and more.

This year’s International Summit in Kyoto offered numerous opportunities for Travel Leaders Network owners and managers to enjoy networking with their peers, headquarters executives and select supplier partners. Those who attended say that their time spent in Kyoto not only created memories but will also help them better service their clients’ needs.

“Hands down, the destination was the highlight of the International Summit,” said Sara Newbury of Travel Leaders in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. “Japan is a country where tradition meets innovation, which is evident in their society, architecture, landscape, transportation and cuisine.   We interacted with charismatic locals, expanded the palette through some adventurous dining, gained a deeper appreciation of Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples, and traversed through the countryside on thoughtfully guided tours.  It was those experiences that made the destination come to life.”

“The organization of the whole trip was wonderful, from the moment I signed up until I got on the plane home,” said Teresa Cavallo of Corporate Travel Planners in San Antonio, Texas. “Being able to network with my peers and the leadership of Travel Leaders Network was an added bonus.  I was able to interact on a more personal basis rather than a meeting environment. I have brought all that I learned back to my leisure team to share my experiences and encourage them to sell Japan.  It would also be a great destination for any corporate international meeting/summit.”

In addition to the Japan National Tourism Organization, other sponsors for the International Summit included: AIG, Context, Delta, Globus family of brands, GOGO Vacations, Norwegian Cruise Line, Travelport, and Westin Hotels & Resorts.