120 luxury travel leaders from 30 nationalities gathered for 1,718 curated meetings and immersive destination experiences, as Connections Luxury Asia Pacific confirms its return to Osaka in October 2027.
Osaka, Japan | October 2026 - Connections has announced its return to Osaka from 17- 20 October 2027, following a successful 2026 edition that brought together 120 senior luxury travel professionals representing 30 nationalities for 3 days of international business, destination discovery and meaningful connections.
Held from 4-6 October in partnership with Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, Connections Luxury Asia Pacific 2026 delivered 1,718 curated business meetings, connecting influential luxury travel buyers with an international portfolio of exceptional hotels, destinations and specialist travel providers.
Against a backdrop of changing expectations among affluent travellers, the event highlighted the growing importance of personalised experiences, cultural discovery and the trusted relationships needed to deliver them.
Connecting the people shaping luxury travel
The invitation-only programme brought together senior luxury travel buyers and decision-makers with a carefully selected portfolio of international hotels, hospitality groups, destinations and specialist experience providers.
Through a combination of pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings and shared experiences, delegates explored new products, strengthened existing partnerships and developed opportunities for future business across Asia Pacific and beyond.
Industry insight gathered through Connections Pulse, the company's developing research initiative, reflected this shift towards more individual and experience-led luxury travel, with gastronomy and cultural discovery playing an increasingly important role in shaping luxury itineraries. The findings reinforced a central theme of the gathering: as travellers seek increasingly distinctive experiences, the relationships between the advisors who understand their clients and the suppliers who bring those journeys to life are more valuable than ever.
These themes were reflected throughout the Osaka programme, from hands-on encounters with Japanese craftsmanship and cultural traditions to the city's distinctive culinary offering. Experiencing the destination first-hand gave buyers fresh inspiration for their clients, while demonstrating how meaningful connections can translate into exceptional travel experiences and future business opportunities.
Greg Reeves, Managing Director of Connections Luxury, commented:
"Luxury travel is becoming increasingly personal. Today's travellers want experiences that reflect their interests, connect them with a destination and offer something they couldn't simply book for themselves. Delivering that level of service depends on strong relationships between the advisors who understand their clients and the partners who can make those experiences possible.
Osaka demonstrated exactly why bringing the right people together matters. Beyond the 1,718 business meetings, it was the shared experiences, conversations and relationships that made this edition so valuable. We're delighted to be returning in 2027 and continuing to build on the opportunities created here."
Experiencing Osaka beyond the expected
Osaka provided a distinctive backdrop for the event, showcasing a luxury travel offering that brings together exceptional hospitality, contemporary creativity and centuries-old cultural traditions.
The programme opened with a reception at Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, where delegates were introduced to Japanese hospitality and traditional performance, before coming together at Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the host hotel and principal venue for the event's curated business meetings.
Beyond the meeting programme, delegates experienced the destination through a series of carefully selected cultural encounters, from Japanese creative traditions and culinary discovery to learning about Katsuoji Temple, renowned for its symbolic daruma dolls and rituals of good fortune.
The city's evolving hospitality and gastronomic offering was further showcased through an evening at The Osaka Station Hotel, a culinary gathering at Time Out Market Osaka, supported by DMO Osaka Umeda, and a closing celebration at Patina Osaka.
These experiences offered international buyers first-hand insight into Osaka's appeal for discerning travellers, demonstrating how its heritage, contemporary luxury and distinctive local experiences can be brought together to create exceptional itineraries.
Hiroshi Mizohata, President of Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, commented:
"Osaka offers a distinctive combination of exceptional hospitality, vibrant gastronomy and rich cultural traditions. Welcoming Connections Luxury Asia Pacific gave us an opportunity to share these qualities with influential travel professionals from around the world.
By experiencing the destination first-hand and connecting with our local partners, we hope delegates will discover new opportunities to introduce Osaka to their most discerning clients. We look forward to welcoming the Connections community back in 2027."
Looking ahead to 2027
The 2026 edition was supported by an international network of hospitality, destination and community partners, including Waldorf Astoria Osaka, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, The Osaka Station Hotel, Patina Osaka, DMO Osaka Umeda, Shinkibus Yui Prima Olivia, Arte, Manga Dojo Tokyo, Mitsukoshi Isetan Nikko Travel, Al Tsunagaru, Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, XO Private, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Atlantis Dubai, Serefin Health and Heavens Portfolio.
Building on the success of this year's gathering and its partnership with Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, Connections Luxury Asia Pacific will return to Osaka from 17- 20 October 2027, bringing together senior luxury travel decision-makers and exceptional international suppliers for another programme of curated business meetings, destination discovery and meaningful connections.
Connections Luxury Asia Pacific 2026 by the numbers
120 luxury travel leaders
30 nationalities represented
1,718 curated business meetings
3 days of business and destination experiences
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About Connections Luxury
Connections Luxury is a global community connecting senior luxury travel decision-makers with exceptional hotels, destinations and travel partners. Through invitation-only events, curated meetings, immersive experiences and industry insight, Connections creates meaningful relationships and long-term commercial opportunities.
Press enquiries: Pamela Muyot (pamela@weareconnections.com), Senior Marketing Executive at Connections