November 26, 2024 | Press Release

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Delhi office has successfully wrapped up a major three-city roadshow across Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, held from November 18 to 22, 2024. The event aimed to bolster Japan’s position as a top travel destination for Indian travellers and enhance engagement with key players in the Indian travel industry.

The roadshow attracted nearly 19 Japanese sellers from a variety of tourism sectors, including hotels, transportation providers, city and regional tourism boards, cultural experiences, and amusement parks. These sellers presented an array of travel services tailored to the Indian market, giving approximately 219 Indian travel agents the opportunity to explore Japan’s diverse offerings for Indian tourists. A total of over 1,700 B2B meetings were conducted throughout the event, highlighting the strong interest and dynamic interactions between participants.

In his address, Ryo Bunno, Executive Director of JNTO Delhi, highlighted the importance of in-person B2B interactions. “The roadshow, organised for the first time in New Delhi, marks a significant milestone in promoting Japan as a travel destination. Face-to-face meetings are essential for building trust and mutual understanding. These interactions provide insights into market dynamics, customise requirements, and allow trade professionals from both countries to explore collaboration opportunities,” Mr. Bunno stated.

Bunno also noted a shift in Indian travel agents’ approach, with growing interest in destinations beyond Japan’s well-known Golden Route (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima). “Indian agents are now exploring unique experiences in other regions of Japan, which has 47 unique prefectures, each offering distinct seasonal experiences,” he added.

One key trend discussed during the roadshow was the rise of Free Independent Travellers (FIT), particularly in Mumbai. This reflects a growing preference among travellers for personalised itineraries and offbeat experiences, signaling an evolving demand in the Indian market.

The roadshow also marked a remarkable increase in Indian visitors to Japan. In 2024, an estimated 192,500 Indians visited Japan between January and October, with October alone seeing approximately 21,700 visitors—a 29.2% increase compared to the same month in 2023. This surge highlights the growing Indian interest in experiencing Japan’s stunning autumn season.

As JNTO continues its efforts to promote Japan, the organisation remains dedicated to supporting the Indian travel trade with initiatives that foster collaboration and growth, helping to position Japan as a must-visit destination for Indian travellers.