Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Delhi office successfully concluded a comprehensive roadshow spanning three major Indian cities—Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai—from November 18 to 22, 2024. This roadshow underscored JNTO’s commitment to enhancing Japan’s profile as a prime travel destination among Indian travel trade and media professionals.
The event witnessed an impressive turnout, with almost 19 Japanese sellers representing a diverse range of tourism sectors, including hotels, transportation, city & regional tourism boards, cultural and traditional experiences, and amusement park, etc. The representatives presented a rich variety of travel services tailored for the Indian market, enabling around 219 Indian travel agents to explore firsthand the multifaceted offerings Japan holds for Indian travellers. Over 1,700 B2B meetings were successfully conducted during the three-city roadshow, showcasing the strong interest and engagement among participants. The event served as an excellent platform for fostering meaningful connections, further strengthening our network and partnerships.
In his address, Mr. Ryo Bunno, Executive Director of JNTO Delhi, emphasized the importance of multi-city roadshow, in-person B2B interactions in fostering stronger business connections. “The roadshow in New Delhi, organized for the first time ever, marked a significant milestone in promoting Japan as a travel destination. Face-to-face meetings are vital to building trust and mutual understanding. These interactions provide insights into market dynamics, customize requirements and enable trade professionals from both countries to explore collaboration opportunities,” Mr. Bunno noted.
“Indian travel agents, who now demonstrate a deeper understanding and maturity in selling Japan as a destination. Increasingly, agent queries are shifting beyond the well-known Golden Route, which includes Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, to explore unique experiences in other regions of Japan.” Mr. Bunno stated. With 47 unique prefectures and distinct seasonal experiences, Indian agents have abundant opportunities to promote Japan’s diverse destinations, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty, offering travellers year-round exploration.
“Notably, the trend of Free Independent Travellers (FIT) is on the rise, particularly in Mumbai, reflecting a shift in traveller’s preferences for personalized itineraries and offbeat experiences.” Mr. Bunno further added, “In 2024, 192,500 (estimated Indians) visited Japan between January and October, reflecting a significant resurgence in Indian arrivals. Notably, October 2024 alone saw approximately 21,700 visitors from India, marking a remarkable 29.2% increase compared to the 16,800 visitors in October 2023. This growth highlights the increasing interest of the Indian market in experiencing Japan’s stunning autumn season. With its unique blend of tradition, culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes, Japan continues to offer Indian travellers truly unforgettable experiences.”
As JNTO Delhi continues its efforts to promote Japan as a must-visit destination, the organization remains committed to supporting the Indian travel trade through initiatives that foster collaboration and growth.
