Following the recent acquisition of Northstar Travel Group, Eijiro Yamakita, President and Chief Executive of JTB Corporation, took the stage during the Web in Travel (WiT) Singapore conference to discuss his vision for the future of global travel.

Yamakita’s appearance underscored the strategic role that Asia plays in this new phase of travel. He participated alongside prominent speakers from Expedia, Agoda, Booking.com, Google, and others, showcasing WiT as a pivotal platform for industry leaders to debate the trends that will shape future travel.

A Formidable Event

This year’s conference occurred from October 6 to 8 at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre and marked WiT’s 20th anniversary, focusing on the theme The Next 20. The sessions discussed the major shifts predicted to influence travel over the next two decades, including advancements in AI and evolving demographics.

Sessions prompted attendees to ponder how the travel industry must adapt to stay relevant and resilient.

Siew Hoon Yeoh, the founder, expressed that having Yamakita at this event soon after the acquisition signifies new connections being forged within the industry.

About the Northstar Acquisition

JTB’s acquisition of Northstar marks a significant milestone, making it a wholly owned yet independent subsidiary. This move boosts JTB’s presence in B2B travel events, media, and market intelligence. Northstar’s well-known brands, including Travel Weekly and Phocuswright, will enhance JTB’s impact across the global travel landscape.

Yamakita remarked that Northstar’s expertise aligns perfectly with JTB’s vision. His participation at WiT Singapore serves as an opportunity to discuss how they can drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and influence the future of global travel.