JTB Corp CEO Eijiro Yamakita Discusses Global Travel Innovation and Asia’s Role at Web in Travel Singapore

JTB Corp Strengthens Global Presence with Northstar Acquisition

In a recent development shaking up the travel industry landscape, JTB Corp, under the leadership of President and CEO Eijiro Yamakita, announced a transformative acquisition of Northstar Travel Group. This strategic move has positioned Northstar as a fully owned yet operationally independent subsidiary, expanding JTB’s footprint beyond traditional travel services into dynamic areas such as B2B travel events, media, and market intelligence.

The significance of this acquisition cannot be overstated. Northstar’s portfolio boasts well-recognized brands like Travel Weekly, Business Travel News, ALIS, The Meetings Show, and Phocuswright. By integrating these assets, JTB enhances its capability to influence the global travel ecosystem, unlocking new synergies between media, events, and data-driven insights.

Asia at the Forefront of JTB’s Growth Strategy

The company’s presence at Web in Travel (WiT) Singapore 2025 emphasized Asia’s undeniable importance in shaping future travel trends. Eijiro Yamakita shared his insights alongside industry giants from Expedia, Agoda, Booking.com, and Google at this pivotal gathering. WiT serves as a premier platform where leaders dissect critical forces impacting travel’s evolution, offering a rare glimpse into emerging technological and societal shifts.

Yamakita highlighted that Northstar’s expertise aligns perfectly with JTB’s vision focusing on innovation and delivering exemplary experiences to customers worldwide. The event marks a continued dialogue on collaboration, reinforcing the idea that the future of travel depends heavily on shared innovation and customer-centric approaches.

The Next 20 Years of Travel: Embracing Change and Innovation

The 2025 WiT conference, held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, celebrated its 20th anniversary under the theme, “The Next 20.” This forward-looking agenda steered clear of nostalgia, instead delving into seismic shifts poised to redefine the travel industry for decades.

Key topics included the acceleration of artificial intelligence applications, demographic changes, and broader social transformations. The sessions inspired attendees to rethink travel not merely as a product but as an evolving human experience that must remain relevant and resilient.

Connecting Global Trends with Local Realities

Siew Hoon Yeoh, WiT’s Founder and Editor, noted that Yamakita’s presence so soon after the Northstar acquisition symbolizes an industry knitting itself closer together. The event focuses on bridging global influences with ground-level realities, matching high-level strategies with day-to-day operational needs in travel hubs worldwide.

Signature Features of WiT Singapore

• Coffee Chats and lively debates among travel veterans
• Panel discussions addressing AI’s role in discovery and distribution
• Invite-only sessions such as the Next Generation Leaders Unconference
• Specialized forums like the Global Travel Tech Thinktank focusing on sustainability and talent pipelines

对出租车和接送服务的影响

The evolving travel landscape, as showcased at WiT Singapore, has tangible effects on the taxi and transfer market as well. With a push towards superior customer experiences and digitization, travelers increasingly demand exact, reliable services that integrate seamlessly with their itinerary – from airports to city centers and final destinations.

Platforms like LocalsRide.com come into play by offering a transparent way to book private transfers, pick vehicles matching specific needs (whether a sedan or a multi-seater), and check detailed driver and car information before confirming their ride. This kind of innovation exemplified by JTB’s forward-thinking approach promotes smarter, customer-first transport services connected to global travel trends.

Key Benefits of LocalsRide in Light of Industry Innovation

Summing It Up: A New Era of Travel Connectivity

The recent announcement of JTB Corp’s acquisition of Northstar and its visionary outlook at WiT Singapore underscores an industry in the midst of rapid transformation. The fusion of media, events, technology, and customer insights is setting the stage for travel that is more informed, innovative, and personalized than ever before.

For travelers and service providers alike, this evolution means adapting to new expectations of quality, seamless booking experiences, and the integration of tech-driven tools that can anticipate and cater to exact needs. Whether it’s choosing the right seat in a taxi or planning multi-destination trips, understanding these macro-industry shifts helps inform smarter travel decisions.

While expert reviews and industry forecasts shed light on these exciting developments, nothing compares to firsthand travel experience. On LocalsRide, users can hire cars with drivers from trusted providers at competitive prices, ensuring transfers that align perfectly with their plans and budget. The platform’s convenience, affordability, and diverse fleet options reflect the modern traveler’s demand for clarity and control. Book your ride today on LocalsRide.com and navigate your journey with confidence.

Looking ahead, this strategic industry realignment could subtly influence global tourism flows and traveler expectations. Though not a seismic shift for worldwide travel yet, the move reflects a broader trend toward integration and customer-centric innovation. LocalsRide remains committed to following these trends closely, offering users top-tier service aligned with the travel world’s evolving pace. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.