1. We love “weekends” and “out of the ordinary”
Watching football on the weekend and traveling abroad during long holidays: these two pleasures that enrich our lives, but did you know that they are actually at a major crossroads right now?
If climate change continues at its current rate, stadiums will become harsh environments in the middle of summer, and it may become difficult to travel freely across the ocean by plane.
I want to enjoy the excitement of real football someday.
We have some great news for all football fans and travelers out there: a partnership between HIS and Tottenham Hotspur .
2. A sustainability partner that attracts attention from the business world
“It’s a sponsorship contract between a travel agency and a football club, so it’s to promote sales of local match tours, right?”
Many people may think so, but this partnership is attracting attention in the business world from a slightly different angle.
For example, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on the agreement, saying, ” The keyword that brought the two companies together was ‘sustainability .'” This was not simply a contract to promote local football matches, but rather a future-oriented “co-creation” that coincided with the aims of HIS, which wanted to develop its own travel products, and Tottenham, which wanted to spread its brand as an environmentally advanced club in Japan.
3. Tottenham is actually the “smartest club in the world”
So why is Tottenham getting so much attention? If you’re a Spurs fan and your friend asks you this question, here’s what you can say.
“In fact, it’s the most environmentally friendly club in the world .”
For the fourth year in a row , Tottenham has topped the Premier League in the United Nations-backed rankings of Sport Positive Leagues .
- The unprecedented feat of “Game Zero”: In September 2021, we played the world’s first “net zero carbon” match against Chelsea.
- Delicious and smart “stadium food”: Ingredients are sourced locally within 50 miles (approximately 80 km) of the stadium . This reduces CO2 emissions from transportation while providing fresh local flavors. This realizes sustainable local production and consumption.
4. Clubs that use the J.League as a “textbook”
Tottenham’s influence extends to the Japanese soccer world. When Tottenham visited Japan in July 2024, the J.League held a “Sustainability Conference.”
Tottenham’s Chief Operating Officer, Ryan Norris, spoke passionately about their commitment to doing the right thing for the environment and local community, even off the pitch.
J.League Executive Officer Takayuki Tsujii, who participated in the event, commented that after learning about Tottenham’s case, “I felt more than ever the potential that soccer clubs possess,” and was greatly inspired by the possibility that all 60 J.League clubs should aim for.
In other words, supporting the Spurs and their efforts means getting a head start on the future of sports in Japan and around the world.
5. HIS is also changing for the future
HIS, a major travel agency that has partnered with Tottenham, is also working with the same passion to protect the “future of travel.”
Making air travel cleaner: We are investing in a research and development fund for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a next-generation fuel that will significantly reduce CO2 emissions from aircraft. We are continuing to invest so that the wings that fly us to London will one day be ones that do not pollute the earth.
• Completely “paperless”: When we think of travel, we imagine a large number of brochures and tickets, but HIS has reduced its in-house copy paper use by approximately 80% (compared to 2019). Furthermore, the company is implementing reforms that conserve resources behind the scenes, such as eliminating plastic delivery bags.
This partnership is not simply a business agreement, but is based on the strong desire of both companies to preserve the joy of football and travel for future generations .
6. “Smart Choice” initiative for all Japanese Spa Supporters
Even if we can’t go to the stadium in London, there is something we can do. That is to put into practice the “Smart Choice” that Spurs and HIS are promoting in our daily lives in Japan . I would like to call on all Spurs fans in Japan to put into practice the proud efforts that the club has made.
Smart Choices in Action
- Just as Assist Spurs is committed to “local production for local consumption,” why not choose “locally produced” products when shopping today? This choice to reduce transportation mileage is a good pass to the global environment.
- Assist HIS, which has a “paperless” approach, has reduced paper use within the company by approximately 80%. Workplace documents are digitized, and travel reservations are completed on smartphones. Smart actions ensure resource conservation.
- The uniforms worn by the assisting players, who say they “use them for a long time,” are made from recycled plastic bottles. Using things for a long time rather than throwing them away immediately is also a style characteristic of football fans, starting with purchasing items they can grow attached to, such as Spurs merchandise.
7. The frenzy spreads to Tokyo and then North London.
To spread the word about ” Smart Choice ,” HIS and the supporters’ club organized a North London Derby viewing event on February 22nd, but it was fully booked and registration closed shortly after it was announced . This overwhelming speed is a testament to the high expectations for Spurs today and the passion of the fan community.
If you were unable to register this time, please register early for the next event.
NLD Commemorative Online Event
In addition, for those who are unable to attend the North London Derby viewing event on February 22nd , the club has teamed up with HIS to hold an online event where they can receive items to help them put their “Smart Choices” into practice .
Read the original article here.
