Sapporo City, in partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), successfully hosted two networking events for the Indian travel industry in Delhi and Mumbai. 

In a press statement, Sapporo City says that the events were designed to strengthen Indo-Japanese tourism ties and they highlighted Sapporo as an unexplored premier travel destination for Indian travellers and unique collaboration opportunities, including cinematic ventures, bringing together tour operators, travel agents, and industry leaders.

Sapporo is positioning itself as a key new destination for Indian visitors to Japan

The statement adds that a key announcement at the event was the forthcoming promotion of Sapporo’s tourism potential tied to a much-anticipated movie under the Amir Khan Productions banner. The movie, filmed partially in Sapporo, is expected to shine a spotlight on the city’s scenic landscapes and cultural offerings. This collaboration reflects Sapporo’s growing appeal as a backdrop for international films, further boosting its tourism profile, says the press statement. 

According to the statement, Tomonori Aoyama, who represented Sapporo City, shared insights into Sapporo’s appeal as a year-round destination, while Yoko Nakanishi and Lara Horin, took attendees on a virtual tour of Sapporo through a presentation that highlighted the city’s renowned attractions, including its annual Snow Festival, ski resorts, and culinary delights like Sapporo’s famous ramen and fresh seafood. The presentations also showcased Sapporo’s scenic summer landscapes and outdoor activities, providing a well-rounded view of what Sapporo has to offer Indian tourists throughout the year, adds the statement.

Representatives from ANA shared an in-depth presentation on ANA’s inflight products & services, excellent connections from Delhi and Mumbai to Tokyo, and the airline’s extensive domestic network within Japan for Indian travellers. 

Tsuneya Katagiri

Tsuneya Katagiri, Country Manager, India of ANA highlighted that ANA’s collaboration with Sapporo City reflected their shared vision of creating unforgettable experiences for travellers. As Sapporo gains prominence as a destination of choice, ANA is dedicated to connecting Indian tourists with its wonders through ANA’s seamless connections and premium services, Katagiri added. 

Shigeru Ishimoto General Manager Mumbai of ANA said his vision was to put Sapporo on the map for Indian travellers, thus going beyond the Tokyo/Osaka Golden Route in Japan. 

The statement adds that the Indian agents responded very positively and expressed excitement about adding Sapporo to their offerings for Indian tourists. Many travel agents noted the growing demand among Indian travellers for unique, international experiences, and highlighted Sapporo’s appeal as a destination that combines natural beauty, cultural richness including cuisine, and unique experiences such as onsen and winter activities. 

“We are delighted by the enthusiastic response from India’s travel industry. Sapporo has so much to offer, and we are confident that Indian travelers will fall in love with its charm. This event marks a significant step in bringing Sapporo closer to the Indian market,” says Tomonori Aoyama, who represented Sapporo City.

Pranav Kapadia

“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 natural beauty, rich culture, and cinematic prominence, Sapporo has firmly established itself as a destination that resonates with Indian travellers seeking unique and memorable experiences. As collaborations between Sapporo City, ANA, and the Indian travel fraternity grow stronger, the city is poised to become a favourite on the international tourism map. These events not only highlighted the opportunities for travel and film-based tourism but also laid the groundwork for a flourishing relationship between India and Japan, driven by shared passion and vision,’’ says Pranav Kapadia, Founder and Director, Global Destinations.