#Japan #Tokyo #travel technology #JTB #Activalue

Introduction

Recently, JTB Corporation, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has entered into a capital and business partnership with Activalue, a company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, focused on creating unforgettable travel experiences through advanced technology. This collaboration aims to integrate the strengths of both companies to develop comprehensive solutions that support lodging businesses from pre-trip planning to post-trip activities, providing enriched value for both travelers and operators.

Significance of the Partnership

This partnership is a proactive response to various challenges facing the hospitality industry. Instead of merely optimizing individual operations, JTB and Activalue strive to co-create a connected operational foundation. By synergizing their respective strengths, they aim to enhance the overall lodging experience and operational efficiency across the journey: before departure, during stay, and after completion.

Background and Challenges

The travel market is undergoing rapid transformation, and lodging providers face increasingly diverse challenges. While there is a noticeable trend towards adopting solutions tailored to individual needs, fragmented systems and data often complicate efforts to enhance operational capabilities. To address these issues, there is a pressing need for a “modular, integrated system” that allows flexibility and fosters collaboration between various systems and services.

In line with JTB's long-term vision, the company is committed to advancing solutions for lodging operators and enhancing the traveler's experience. By integrating operational support services, such as consumables and equipment management, with payment solutions and various SaaS offerings, JTB seeks to create seamless connectivity among diverse services.

Key Features of the Partnership

1. Strengthening Sales and Implementation Support

One of the primary focuses of this partnership is enhancing the support for sales and implementation. JTB aims to combine Activalue's digital solutions that extend from pre-trip to post-trip phases with existing services like Kotozna In-room, which allows guests to access multilingual property information and communicate with staff through QR codes. This initiative will significantly improve operational capabilities for lodging providers while simultaneously enriching the traveler's experience. Furthermore, integrating TV information systems and “VERY” will unify in-house information and provide enhanced visibility for laundry services, raising both operational convenience and hospitality quality.

2. Expansion of Collaborative Framework

JTB will enhance the integration of Activalue’s systems, including “talkappi” and “VERY” with Property Management Systems (PMS), to streamline operations across various service areas—front desk, guest rooms, and dining facilities. This seamless integration will facilitate smooth pre-check-ins, automated updates of service usage statuses during stays, and efficient payment processes—all contributing to a unified lodging experience. To elevate the payment experience further, JTB's single credit card service will be incorporated to reduce the burden of payment processing fees.

3. Joint Development of New Services

In a bid to elevate the travel experience, a collaborative project named the “VERY Travel Marketplace” is in the works, targeting diverse local businesses in activities, dining, and transportation. This initiative aims to promote the attraction of tourism experiences from the lodging provider's perspective, effectively marketing local attractions and experiences, thus enhancing overall tourism satisfaction and boosting local economies.

Future Developments

Through this strategic partnership, JTB seeks to accelerate digital transformation (DX) in the hospitality industry, focusing on enhancing operational capabilities for lodging facilities while elevating the value of the travel experience. The goal is to expand the implementation of Activalue's solutions to approximately 3,000 facilities by leveraging existing facilities and reaching into new territories. Ultimately, this initiative aims to enhance the overall tourism experience and contribute to revitalizing local economies, supporting the sustainable development of Japan's tourism sector.

About JTB

JTB is dedicated to creating continuous community and regional development by promoting 'Exchange Creation Business.' They focus on addressing the issues faced by lodging providers in attracting visitors and provide solutions that support their management and operations. Learn more

About Activalue

Activalue is committed to creating awe-inspiring travel experiences and a promising future for tourism through innovative technologies. They provide various solutions targeting the hospitality sector, focusing on DX, reservation and sales, as well as marketing data utilization. Going forward, they will continue to enhance their functions and support areas while preserving Japan’s traditional hospitality spirit through advanced IT and AI technologies. Learn more

Contract Inquiries

For inquiries from lodging providers, please contact JTB Area Solution Division: [email protected] (available from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, excluding certain holidays).