Under MoU, IATO & Japanese associations to undertake common marketing activities.
With an aim to boost tourism ties between India and Japan, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), a leading association of Indian travel trade, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Okinawa-India Friendship Association (OIFA) and the Onna Village Tourism Association of Japan.
According to a press statement issued by IATO, the signing ceremony took place in New Delhi, marking a significant step in fostering mutual tourism growth between the two nations.
As per the agreement, the MoU was signed on behalf of IATO by Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, along with Moritake Tomikawa, President, OIFA, and Rumiko Miyazaki, Chairperson, Onna Village Tourism Association. This event was also attended by Yoshimi Nagahama, Mayor, Onna village, and Ravi Gosain, vice president, IATO.
According to the press statement, the primary objectives of this collaboration include fostering mutual cooperation among the three parties and their members, identifying and eliminating barriers that hinder travel between India and Okinawa, and exchanging relevant data on tourism statistics, investment opportunities, and economic insights related to the travel and hospitality sectors.
Further, it also adds that under the MoU, IATO and its Japanese counterparts will undertake common marketing activities and participate in each other’s tourism events to promote both inbound and outbound tourism.
As per the press statement, through this agreement, India and Japan aim to strengthen tourism infrastructure, boost sector’s economic and create an enriching travel experience for visitors exploring the diverse landscapes and heritage of both nations.
The press statement also adds that this partnership is expected to create new avenues for collaboration, investment, and cultural exchange, ultimately benefiting stakeholders from both countries.
Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, Mehra emphasised strong diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Japan, which has set a strong foundation for increasing tourism exchanges between the two countries.
Rajiv Mehra
“India and Japan enjoy warm and friendly relations. This gives us a huge scope for increasing the tourist flow—both inbound and outbound—between the two countries. The interests of IATO, OIFA, and the Onna Village Tourism Association converge and to give this understanding a formal shape we have signed this MoU. I am sure it will turn into a win-win for both sides,” says Mehra.
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