#Japan #Tokyo #Hitachi #JTB #tebu-Ride PASS

JTB and Hitachi's Collaboration in Tourism DX

In an exciting partnership, Japan's JTB Corporation and Hitachi Ltd. have announced their plan to collaborate on promoting digital transformation (DX) in the tourism sector. This move aims to enhance convenience for travelers while boosting profitability and productivity for tourism-related businesses.

The benefits of this collaboration will allow both companies to address the critical need for digitalization in tourist facilities and secondary transportation. Both JTB and Hitachi bring valuable expertise to the table. JTB, a well-established player in the tourism industry, is leaning on its extensive experience to craft compelling touring options. Meanwhile, Hitachi uses advanced digital technologies to ensure a secure and seamless travel experience through innovations like biometric verification.

tebu-Ride PASS: A Groundbreaking Service

As a pilot initiative, the first project is set to launch on August 1st in Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture. Named the tebu-Ride PASS, this new digital ticketing service incorporates biometric technology to facilitate a seamless touring experience. With tebu-Ride PASS, travelers can access multiple transport systems and attractions simply by using their smartphones.

One remarkable feature of this service is the hands-free ticketing capability, powered by beacon technology, enabling users to walk through entry gates without any physical tickets. This hands-free experience extends to facial recognition technology, ensuring a quick and easy entry process and simplifying payment procedures through a post-payment system based on travel costs. Additionally, a discount system will be available, enhancing the overall value of the tourism experience.

Roles of Each Company in the Partnership

In this collaboration, JTB will lead the initiative by utilizing its in-depth understanding of regional characteristics and traveler preferences to design attractive touring passes and plans. They will leverage their extensive network with local governments and tourism businesses to ensure smooth operation and implementation of tebu-Ride PASS. JTB will also analyze traveler behavior, creating effective promotional strategies to attract visitors.

On the other hand, Hitachi will focus on the practical implementation of the digital ticketing system. Their expertise includes the design and development of security measures for the system, ensuring stability and scalability while also taking potential expansions into account. This allows for sustainable service provision in the long run.

The Importance of Sustainable Tourism

Through this innovative service, both companies aim to make travel more enjoyable and flexible, benefiting not just the tourists but local economies as well. The collaboration targets not just the ease of ticket purchasing and entry procedures but also endeavors to foster increased visitor numbers in local tourist hotspots, thereby revitalizing community tourism.

Moreover, Hitachi’s technology integrates various data analytics offerings which will enable cities and regional businesses to better understand traveler behavior, preferences, and trends. Such insights will help create more personalized services and aided strategic tourist planning.

Upcoming Demonstration Project

To evaluate the efficacy of tebu-Ride PASS, a demonstration phase will take place from August 1 to October 31, 2025, in Shodoshima, where the service’s impact on travel flows and user experience will be thoroughly assessed.

Participating in the Tourism DX Marketing Expo

JTB will also showcase its sustainable tourism solutions at the second Tourism DX and Marketing Expo, which will occur from June 25 to June 27, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight. One of the key features highlighted will be the tebu-Ride service.

For further inquiries, visitors can reach out to JTB and Hitachi through their respective contact points, ensuring that both companies remain accessible as they embark on this exciting venture.