JTB Corporation (株式会社ジェイティービー), is the largest travel agency in Japan and one of the largest travel agencies in the world. It specializes in tourism. There are branches all over the world to help Japanese and non-Japanese guests in both private leisure and corporate / business fields. It was formerly owned by the Japanese government. It is headquartered in the JTB Building in Shinagawa, Tokyo.[2] Due to COVID-19, JTB planned to reduce its group headcount by 7,200 and close 115 domestic outlets by September 2021.[3]
History
The company was established as "Japan Tourist Bureau (ジャパンツーリストビューロー)" in 1912, primarily serving foreign visitors to Japan. In 1941, the company was renamed as East Asian Travel Agent (東亜旅行社), and in the following year changed its status from corporation to foundation, while still retaining its travel agency functions. After World War II, the company was renamed as "Japan Travel Bureau (日本交通公社)". In 1963, Japan Travel Bureau was divided into two separate entities, with the travel agency arm becoming an independent corporation while the foundation remained a non-profit organization. However, both organizations retained the Japan Travel Bureau banner. On 1 January 2001, the corporation was renamed "JTB Corporation", while the foundation retained the Japan Travel Bureau name. In 1997, its operations began.