FCM Expands Global Footprint into Japan  

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

FCM, one of the world’s largest travel management companies is growing its presence across Asia through a joint venture with NSF Engagement in Japan. The investment will enhance FCM’s presence in Asia to support existing customers in the region while boosting its global footprint. It is also aimed at helping corporations take full advantage of the benefits of FCM’s service and technology to accelerate their return to travel.

A robust business travel market, a strong increase in demand from customers across Asia and an opportunity to provide a differentiated service offering were among the decisive factors for FCM to expand its operations in Japan. Feedback from FCM customers across all markets revealed a lack of adequate end-to-end business travel solutions in Japan that can deliver consistently and is simple to use at the same time. Additionally, Japan’s excellent digital infrastructure provides a strong foundation for FCM to integrate the new technology that the leading TMC has been developing into the market. In the coming months, the full suite of FCM products and services will be introduced into Japan to support consistency and improved customer experience. This includes FCM’s proprietary FCM Platform which had its debut launch in China last month.

Choosing to expand FCM’s presence in Asia at this critical time speaks volume of the tremendous potential Japan has towards FCM’s global strategy. As the world’s fourth largest business travel market, Japan will undoubtedly provide exciting growth opportunities for FCM in the region. FCM and NSF Engagement both recognised that the Japanese travel market is ripe for disruption and our partnership presents an alternative for clients who are currently being underserved.

NSF Engagement’s deep local knowledge complemented by FCM’s evolving technology and global expertise will allow us to provide global coverage for existing and new Japanese clients. We are thrilled to work with a partner who shares our vision to continue our expansion in Asia.

- Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director of FCM Travel Asia

Leading FCM Japan as General Manager is Kenichi Shiraishi, who will be responsible for developing strategic local supplier relationships and expanding FCM’s customer base in Japan. “For over ten years, FCM has been providing managed travel services in Japan to MNC customers but there were limitations working through an agency. Through a complete local infrastructure alignment and integration into FCM’s global systems, we will be able to provide customers with a true end-to-end FCM experience.  I am really pleased that FCM Japan can now play a greater role in supporting MNC customers in Japan, within Asia and around the world,” said Shiraishi.   

Shigeru Hiromatsu, President and CEO of NSF Engagement said: “The Japanese business travel market offers vast opportunities to grow the customer base and expand with the right products and services. We see considerable synergy between NSF Engagement and FCM. FCM’s unconventional, innovative and flexible DNA resonates deeply with NSF Engagement’s belief that it is possible to use New Standards for Engagement to break-through conventional concepts through technological capabilities and an alternative approach while building a strong business with sustainable growth. We are excited to partner with FCM to leverage on their technology and global expertise to facilitate expansion and penetrate the high potential Japanese business travel sector.”