Three travel service companies have been selected as official partners for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
On March 31, three travel service companies—KNT-CT Holdings, JTB, and Tobu Top Tours—signed a Tokyo 2020 Sponsorship Agreement with the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, becoming Official Travel Service Partners. The contract category is "Travel Services and National Trip Hospitality Services."
While the sponsorship follows the principle of "one company per industry," the three companies will coexist in this category as an exception, following discussions with the International Olympic Committee.
A joint press conference was held the same day at Happo-en in Minato Ward, Tokyo. JTB President Hiroyuki Takahashi referenced the company's long-standing support for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, its involvement in managing accommodation and transportation for the 1964 Tokyo Games, and its subsequent history handling Japanese delegation dispatch and spectator tours for other Games. He stated, "For the 2020 Games, we aim to welcome visitors to Japan with a spirit of hospitality and provide memorable services."
Tobu Top Tours President Nobuaki Sakamaki highlighted the company's history of supporting athletes through various sporting events and its role as a partner in Tokyo's Olympic and Paralympic bid campaign. He stated, "The Tokyo Games present an excellent opportunity to introduce Japan's traditions and culture to visitors. We will dedicate our full efforts to contribute to the promotion of Japan as a tourism nation."
Kazuyoshi Togawa, President of KNT-CT Holdings, stated, "Under the Games vision, we recognize our role as supporters meeting every customer's needs, creating memorable experiences that will be passed down to future generations." He expressed the company's desire to contribute to the Games by leveraging its unique hospitality, network, and teamwork, drawing on insights gained from supporting sporting events.
All three parties also referenced the potential of sports tourism and the contribution to regional revitalization spurred by the Tokyo Games.
Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori stated, "With the addition of these three companies, the total number of partners for the 2020 Games has reached 32. The services these three companies will provide—accommodation and transportation for athletes and officials, as well as package tour sales—are truly core to the Games' operations." He further expressed hope that by promoting and guiding visitors not only to Tokyo but also to regional areas, economic benefits would spread across Japan. Regarding the coexistence of the three companies under the partnership, he stated, "We also considered that the responsibilities undertaken by partners in the same category can be extensive."
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