India and Japan Strengthen Tourism Ties
The 4th Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Tourism Cooperation between India and Japan took place on April 8, 2025, in New Delhi. Co-chaired by Ms. Mugdha Sinha, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, India, and Mr. HARAIKAWA Naoya, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, the meeting brought together officials and private stakeholders from both nations. Key discussions centered on enhancing tourism collaboration, with a focus on attracting millennial travelers and promoting cultural exchanges.
Key Participants and Objectives
The meeting featured a diverse group of participants, including representatives from airlines, tourism associations, and government institutions. Notable organizations present included the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), and several Indian tourism bodies such as the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI). The primary objective was to explore new avenues for cooperation and to enhance tourism ties between India and Japan.
During the meeting, the co-chairs exchanged insights on visitor profiles and discussed data related to tourist travel between the two countries, particularly to Buddhist destinations. This analysis aimed to inform policy interventions that would make these destinations more appealing to younger travelers. H.E. ONO Keiichi, the Japanese Ambassador to India, highlighted the importance of cultural ties and the mutual benefits of a robust tourism partnership.
Strategic Initiatives for Tourism Growth
Discussions at the meeting emphasized several strategic initiatives aimed at expanding bilateral tourism. Key proposals included promoting India’s Buddhist sites to Japanese tourists, enhancing air connectivity, and encouraging student exchanges. The meeting also explored ways to increase private sector involvement in tourism and leverage media and influencer partnerships to boost tourist inflow.
Delegates from both countries shared valuable insights and identified new investment opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector. The collaborative spirit demonstrated during the meeting is expected to foster a vibrant tourism ecosystem, significantly contributing to economic and cultural exchanges between India and Japan.
Future Collaborations and Upcoming Events
As the meeting concluded, both sides expressed a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration. India informed the Japanese delegation about its plans to participate in the World Expo in Osaka, scheduled for September 22-28, 2025. This participation aims to enhance outreach efforts and attract more foreign tourists to India. Additionally, India is set to launch the Incredible India mobile app, which will feature curated itineraries specifically designed for Japanese tourists. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance tourism experiences and promote India as a premier travel destination. The positive outcomes of the meeting signal a strengthened commitment to leveraging tourism as a bridge for enhancing bilateral relations and mutual prosperity between India and Japan.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
