NEWS

On Friday, October 17, 2025, a special lecture was held in the “Tourism Operations” class taught by Professor Kiyoyoshi Yoshizawa of the College of Sustainability and Tourism. The guest speakers were Ms. Tomoko Hoya, Executive Officer and Group Chief Sustainability Officer at ANA Holdings Inc. (ANA HD), and Ms. Elitza Hofer, Assistant Manager at ANA’s Vienna Branch and a member of APU’s first graduating class. The lecture offered students insights into sustainability strategies in the aviation industry and perspectives from the global stage.

Ms. Hoya began by outlining the fundamental principles of sustainability management, which aims to enhance corporate value while addressing social issues over the long term. She introduced ANA’s specific initiatives, such as reducing engine usage during operations and setting a goal to replace 10% of its fuel with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030. She also shared other efforts that ANA is pursuing beyond aircraft operations, including energy-saving measures, upcycling, and food waste reduction. Next, Ms. Hoya highlighted ANA’s ongoing regional revitalization events in Oita Prefecture and its investment in non-financial areas, such as establishing a human rights protection office, with the aim of linking these efforts to financial value.
She emphasized that sustainability is not something extraordinary but deeply connected to our daily lives. She noted that tourism has evolved with sustainability in mind and emphasized the importance of learning from past examples. She encouraged students to envision the kind of world they want to create, connect with like-minded individuals, and grow together through mutual effort.

Next, Ms. Hofer spoke from the perspective of an APU alumna, sharing how her interest in sustainability grew throughout her career. She recounted witnessing environmental degradation firsthand while working in the travel industry, which led her to recognize the need for responsible action for future generations. Based in Vienna, Ms. Hofer discussed trends in EU sustainability-related laws and regulations, including raising consumer awareness, banning unsubstantiated eco-labeling, and requiring companies to disclose non-financial information. She stressed that we are entering an era where sustainable choices should be the norm.
Drawing on her experience working with a multinational team at the Vienna branch, Ms. Hofer spoke about the importance of creating a workplace environment that transcends cultural differences. She encouraged APU students to cultivate three “superpowers” for the future: knowledge of sustainability, experience in community collaboration, and intercultural understanding. She urged students to broaden their perspectives through interaction with their international peers and language learning, and to carry forward a spirit of cross-sector, cross-industry, and cross-border cooperation after graduation.

During the Q&A session following the lecture, students posed insightful questions on ANA’s competitiveness, specific regional revitalization initiatives, and support for foreign workers. Ms. Hoya, Ms. Hofer, and ANA Oita Branch Manager Mr. Yutaka Takeshita responded thoughtfully to each inquiry.
Students shared reflections such as, “I resonated with the idea that sustainability is not something special, but a result of daily efforts and human connections.” The lecture served as a valuable opportunity for students to link corporate initiatives with their own career aspirations.