Japanese Mission in India to collaborate with MOT India to support the Indian hospitality industry
- Peeush Srivastava
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
On the occasion of the 4th Joint Working Group Meeting of the Japan-India Tourism Council, on 8 April 2025, ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India, delivered a keynote address highlighting the deepening tourism ties between the two nations. Expressing his gratitude to the Japan Tourism Agency and the Ministry of Tourism of India, Ambassador Ono reflected on the successful wrap-up of the Japan-India Tourism Exchange Year which lasted for two years starting from April 2023 and emphasized the growing potential for bilateral tourism. His remarks outlined strategic opportunities for mutual travel promotion, the importance of infrastructure development, and the cultural synergies that continue to enrich the people-to-people exchange between Japan and India.
Sharing the excerpts of the speech delivered
Introduction and Japan-India Tourism Exchange Year Culmination
I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations on the 4th Joint Working Group Meeting on the Japan-India Tourism Council. I am delighted that this meeting is finally being resumed after almost 6 years. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Japan Tourism Agency and the Ministry of Tourism of India for their dedicated efforts in preparing for this meeting. (Wrap-up of Japan-India Tourism Exchange Year) . The Japan-India Tourism Exchange Year lasted for two years starting from April 2023. The Embassy of Japan collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism of India and various state governments to carry out numerous initiatives.
Expectations of Tourism Promotion between Japan and India.
As we have just seen the number of people-to-people exchanges between our two countries is steadily increasing. However, these figures are not sufficient for me, considering the future development and deepening of our bilateral relationship. We would like to redouble our efforts to increase mutual visitors.
Key considerations of travel between India to Japan
On visitors from India to Japan, I believe we need to introduce not only the attractions of cherry blossoms and the Golden Route but also various opportunities to enjoy many parts of Japan throughout the year.
Additionally, we may make use of a growing interest among India's younger generations in anime, the Japanese language through anime, along with Japanese food and sake. With the cooperation of organizations such as JNTO and JATA from Japan and various stakeholders from India, I hope we can raise further awareness of travelling to Japan based on these popular elements and significantly increase the number of Indian visitors to Japan. In particular, this year witness the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 from April to October. I hope many Indian people will visit there and stretch their legs to other parts of Japan.
On the inbound for India, we would like to introduce the various rich attractions of India to Japanese people of all generations. India has many wonderful and still largely undiscovered attractions, such as the Himalayas, Kerala, Goa, and the rich natural beauty and traditions of Ayurveda, not to mention the diverse cultural heritage of the northeastern states, beyond famous places like Agra and Jaipur.
Since my assignment as Ambassador in last October, I have visited 12 states in India and have been deeply impressed by the beautiful nature, well-preserved heritages, and diverse vivid cultures. The day after tomorrow, I will personally guide Mr. Naoya Haraikawa to Bodh Gaya to experience a part of the Buddhism Circuit.
To ensure Japanese people have good experience in India and wish to visit again, we need to work more. Hard and soft tourism infrastructure is needed to be further developed. The hospitality environment must also adapt to Japanese requisites, including in the viewpoints from food and language. The Japanese Embassy would like to support the Indian hospitality industry in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism of India.
In conclusion, I am very pleased that, at the beginning of fiscal year 2025, influential members on both countries' tourism policies and businesses have gathered here today to discuss our common target. I hope this meeting will augment tourism relations between Japan and India, ultimately strengthening our bilateral ties.
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