#Japan #Tokyo #JTB Group #OPEN FRONTIER #Northstar Travel

JTB Group's Long-Term Vision: OPEN FRONTIER 2035

In a significant development for the travel industry, JTB Corporation has unveiled its forward-looking long-term vision, titled 'OPEN FRONTIER 2035.' This initiative aims to redefine JTB's identity by establishing a robust framework for connectivity among people, regions, and organizations, positioning the company at the forefront of the 'new' era of engagement.

Understanding the Imperative

The motivations behind the OPEN FRONTIER 2035 vision are multifaceted. They include shifts in global environmental conditions, demographic transformations, and the rapid advancement of technologies such as generative AI. These changes fundamentally reshape how we move, process information, and make decisions, prompting a need for a reassessment of established business models. Amidst these dynamics, the importance of social engagement continues to grow, with emerging AI agents contributing to new forms of business creation.

JTB's strategy revolves around amplifying its core strength, termed '交流創造Intelligence' (Intelligence of Creating Connections). By integrating insights from market predictions, customer understanding, and information acquisition, JTB seeks to elevate its engagement capacity.

Strategic Partnerships

A prime example of JTB's commitment to this vision is its strategic acquisition of Northstar Travel Group, a world-leading B2B media institution specializing in the tourism sector. This venture equips JTB with reliable data analytics and a global network that enhances its operational framework. The objective is to accelerate industry value creation in the age of AI, leveraging digital and social strengths to elevate the '交流創造Intelligence.'

Transformative Goals for 2035

As JTB embarks on its journey towards 2035, four critical pillars form the foundation of its transformation: Global, Business Models, Information/Data, and Culture. The company aims to leverage its 114 years of insights and expertise to foster solutions that tackle social challenges while ensuring a sustainable future for the tourism industry.

Business Strategy Segmentation

To facilitate this transformation, JTB has outlined a clear and market-oriented business strategy:

• - Global Tourist Solution: Offering personalized travel experiences tailored to individual needs.
• - Global Business Solution: Collaborating with corporate clients to create cost-effective, high-impact solutions.
• - Global Area Solution: Investing in regions and providing solutions to enhance overall area value.
• - Global Tourism Intelligence: Delivering marketing solutions to tourism stakeholders through media and events to boost their value-add.

Financial Ambitions

In line with the vision for 2035, JTB has set forth ambitious financial benchmarks, focusing on:

1. Creating a financial buffer for sustainable growth investments.
2. Enhancing creditworthiness through increased enterprise value.
3. Securing a solid net asset base to withstand unforeseen losses and strengthen operational continuity.

Through these actionable strategies, JTB aims to bolster both financial health and growth potential, responding to stakeholder expectations in the process.

Investment Strategy

The investment strategy emphasizes the reinvestment of cash into assets to establish cycles of growth that generate future cash flows.
Furthermore, JTB is committed to fostering inclusivity via its DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) initiatives, which aim to create an open and innovative corporate culture. This will enable employees to design their career paths based on their aspirations while ensuring a borderless approach to work.

Sustainability Initiatives

To align its operations with the larger goal of sustainable growth, JTB has earmarked several key focus areas: an enriching life, the environment, and partnerships. Setting sustainability-related goals for 2035, JTB aims for 63% of its transactions to involve partners committed to sustainable practices.

Moreover, JTB plans to establish the JTB Social Commitment Program by 2026, which will focus on supporting local communities through grants and donations aimed at preserving cultural heritage and combating overtourism.

Future Outlook

As JTB navigates the evolving landscape, the value of social engagement will continue to rise, particularly in a business ecosystem shaped by AI innovation. The company is committed to transcending conventional exchanges and fostering diverse partnerships to not only enhance its service offerings but also contribute proactively to a more sustainable and connected global society.

Through the OPEN FRONTIER 2035 vision, JTB Group aspires to redefine what it means to be a true frontier company in the tourism industry, creating new value through innovative engagements that honor and elevate community relationships.