Spiller joined ITG brand InsideJapan Tours in 2009 as the group’s only trade-facing travel consultant after living in Japan for several years. He went on to head up ITG’s UK-based trade operation, contributing to trade sales growth over the past 14 years from £250,000 a year to £8 million a year.

"When I joined InsideJapan, I never thought I would be here for the next 14 years," said Spiller. "It is a special company full of incredibly talented people and I am grateful to Alastair [Donnelly] and Simon [King] for letting me be part of its phenomenal growth."

Spiller said he was delighted to see what once had been a hard sell, especially for agents, become a top destination. "We are firm ‘go-to’ suppliers for many of the UK’s top travel agents," he said.

"Indeed, InsideJapan has become the world’s leading independent Japan travel specialist with trade partners playing a pivotal role in that success. InsideAsia has also seen tremendous success with trade partners since its launch in 2013."

Spiller will become Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s trade marketing and community manager. "It was time for a new challenge," he added. "I am excited to be joining the SLH team in London and can’t wait to assist in strengthening their trade community relationships. I will of course continue to be one of Inside Travel Group’s biggest fans."

Inside Travel Group co-founders Donnelly and King said the group’s commitment to the trade would be unwavering, despite Spiller’s departure. "The company remains fully committed to the trade and recognise it as crucial to the continued success of the tour operator," they said.

King continued: “We continue to improve what we do in Japan, are providing incredible holidays across south-east Asia, more recently introducing the likes of Thailand and Malaysia, and have created brand new cultural adventures into South Korea.

"Although we are sad to see Matt go, he has done an incredible job over the years, built some great relationships and helped establish us as a trade favourite. We look to invest in our travel trade team immediately with travel agent partners remaining an essential pillar of Inside Travel Group’s growth strategy.”

ITG is already recruiting for Spiller’s replacement, who will oversee – it said – a new phase of growth for the company and the continued growth of its UK trade team.