Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has witnessed a 15 per cent growth in Indian arrivals in 2018 compared to 2017. The destination recently collaborated with Dia Mirza, Bollywood actor and producer to further promote different experiences in Japan.
Speaking about the relationship between India and Japan Ryoji Noda, Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai said, “The visit by Dia Mirza will have an exclusive impact to promote the cultural exchanges between India and Japan. India and especially Mumbai have been special for us as a global partner. In October, last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan and now we have come to a new level of relationship. India is the largest recipient of Japan’s investment. We want to grow tourism relations between both these two nations. The recent trip of Dia Mirza will further help in strengthening tourism ties and increase footfall from India to Japan.”
Japan is promoting the destination under the collaboration with a new campaign named #JapanSurprises! With the new promotion, the destination is showcasing Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, and Kyoto to the Indian travellers.
Speaking about the collaboration Dia Mirza said, “Previously, I have had various collaborations with Japan. But this one is very important. As a destination Japan is a must visit for every Indian travellers. People in Japan are hospitable, polite and disciplined. My trip started with Tokyo, which is one of the most vibrant cities the continued to Kyoto-Higashiyama District, then Osaka and Hokkaido. Also, the destination has a lot of opportunity for film shootings.”
Japan is eyeing to attract 200,000 Indian travellers in 2019. The destination has also witnessed an increase in connectivity. Recently, All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced the first direct flight from Japan to Chennai. Also, Japan Airlines has announced that it will launch a new non-stop service between Tokyo and Bengaluru in 2020.
Speaking about the growth Kenichi Takano, Executive Director, JNTO Delhi Office said, “We have received 154,000 Indian travellers in 2018 with a growth rate of 15 per cent compared to 2017. It is a very good increase. In 2019 we are looking at attracting 200,000 Indian travellers. With a new flight which we are starting between Tokyo and Chennai and next fiscal year from Tokyo to Bengaluru, the tourism between India and Japan will increase dramatically. During the recent promotion, Dia Mirza went to Hokkaido, which is already popular for international tourists. From this year we will promote this destination more in India market. We have partnered with Dia to promote the destination in India.”
Also, Tokyo is all set to host the 2020 Summer Olympics. The destination is looking to harness the potential of this event to attract sports enthusiasts.
Takano added, “We have received some enquiry from sports management companies for sports tourism. In 2020 Olympics, we expect a lot of Indian travellers going to Japan to cheer their team.”
Speaking about the MICE and Weddings segment he said, “Also, MICE is a very big market for us. Even from India we are aggressively looking to attract MICE travellers and big MICE events. We are keenly looking at destination weddings segment. We will take a few wedding planners to Japan this year. This trip will be organised by Okinawa Prefecture. Wedding is one of the most growing segments and we would like to tap this. We have all facilities and perfect settings for Indian weddings.”
