India, Japan step up Tourism Cooperation

The 4th Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting of Tourism Cooperation between India and Japan took place on April 8, 2025, in New Delhi. Co-chaired by Ms. Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, India, and Mr. HARAIKAWA Naoya, Commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency, the meeting hosted officials and private sector stakeholders from both nations. Major discussions revolved around deepening tourism cooperation, especially designed to attract millennial tourists and foster cultural exchange.

Key Participants and Objectives
The session featured a cross-section of participants, including representatives of airlines, tourism organizations, and government agencies. The most prominent organizations in attendance were the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), and other Indian tourism organizations like the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI). The main aim was to discuss new avenues of collaboration and improve tourism relations between India and Japan.

In the course of discussions, co-chairs shared expertise on tourist profiles and interpreted statistics on tourist travel between the countries, especially to Buddhist sites. The analysis was designed to guide policy interventions that would render the sites more appealing to youth tourism. H.E. ONO Keiichi, Japanese Ambassador to India, noted the importance of cultural connections and the benefits to both countries of having a healthy tourism cooperation.

Strategic Initiatives for Tourism Growth
The session picked up on a number of strategic initiatives aimed at developing bilateral tourism. The most important proposals were marketing India's Buddhist destinations to Japanese travelers, enhancing air connectivity, and boosting student exchange. The meeting also discussed avenues to enhance the private sector's role in tourism and leverage media and influencer collaborations to boost tourist traffic.

Representatives of both nations exchanged valuable experiences and identified new areas of investment to enhance cooperation in tourism. The cooperative attitude at the meeting is hoped to create a dynamic tourism environment that will go a long way in terms of promoting economic and cultural exchange between Japan and India.

Upcoming Cooperation and Future Events

In conclusion to the meeting, the two sides indicated a willingness to continue dialogue and collaboration. India briefed the Japanese mission regarding its intention to take part in the World Expo in Osaka on September 22-28, 2025. India's involvement is intended to expand outreach efforts and increase foreign visitors to India. India is also going to introduce the Incredible India app for mobile use with specially crafted itineraries for Japanese travelers. This project is part of a larger plan to boost tourism experiences and market India as a world-class travel destination. The positive results of the meeting indicate a renewed commitment to utilizing tourism as a bridge for increasing bilateral relations and mutual prosperity between India and Japan.