November 26, 2024 | Press Release

Sapporo City, in partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), recently hosted two exclusive networking events in Delhi and Mumbai, aimed at strengthening Indo-Japanese tourism ties. These events spotlighted Sapporo as a prime, yet largely unexplored, travel destination for Indian tourists, while exploring new collaboration opportunities, including cinematic ventures. The events brought together tour operators, travel agents, and industry leaders to discuss the future of tourism between the two countries.

One of the key highlights of the event was the announcement of a much-anticipated movie under the Amir Khan Productions banner, which will feature scenes filmed in Sapporo. This movie is expected to showcase the city’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, further positioning Sapporo as a prominent backdrop for international films and boosting its tourism profile.

The networking events commenced with an engaging opening speech by Tomonori Aoyama, a representative from Sapporo City, who welcomed the attendees and shared insights into Sapporo’s year-round appeal. This was followed by an immersive presentation by Yoko Nakanishi and Lara Horin, who virtually toured attendees through the city, emphasizing its world-famous attractions such as the annual Snow Festival, ski resorts, and culinary specialties like Sapporo ramen and fresh seafood. The presentation also highlighted Sapporo’s vibrant summer landscapes and outdoor activities, offering a complete picture of what Indian travellers can experience in every season.

ANA representatives then provided a detailed overview of their inflight products and services, along with excellent flight connections from Delhi and Mumbai to Tokyo, and their extensive domestic network within Japan. ANA’s Country Manager for India, Tsuneya Katagiri, emphasised the airline’s commitment to providing seamless travel experiences for Indian tourists and supporting the growing popularity of Sapporo as a destination.

ANA General Manager in Mumbai, Shigeru Ishimoto, also expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration between ANA and Aamir Khan Productions, along with the strong support from Sapporo City. His vision is to introduce Sapporo to Indian travellers, positioning it as a unique alternative to the Tokyo/Osaka Golden Route.

The events received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the attendees, with many travel agents expressing keen interest in adding Sapporo to their offerings. Agents noted a growing demand for distinctive international experiences, and Sapporo’s natural beauty, rich culture, and exciting activities like onsen and winter sports were seen as major attractions for Indian travellers.

Tomonori Aoyama conveyed his gratitude for the enthusiastic response, saying, “Sapporo has so much to offer, and we are confident that Indian travellers will fall in love with its charm. This event marks a significant step in bringing Sapporo closer to the Indian market.”

Pranav Kapadia, Founder and Director of Global Destinations, also expressed his satisfaction with the events, saying, “Our mission has always been to bridge destinations with potential markets. We are thrilled to see the interest in Sapporo and look forward to working with our Indian travel trade to make this destination more accessible and appealing to Indian travellers.”

With its blend of breathtaking nature, cultural richness, and emerging cinematic recognition, Sapporo is poised to become a favourite destination for Indian travellers seeking unique and unforgettable experiences. The growing collaboration between Sapporo City, ANA, and the Indian travel industry lays the foundation for a promising future of Indo-Japanese tourism. These events not only emphasized the potential for travel and film-based tourism but also marked the beginning of a stronger relationship between India and Japan, fueled by shared vision and passion.