1. On 14th July 2011, the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi hosted the “Travel to Japan” seminar and reception. This is the first tourism promotion event sponsored by Japan Travel Agency (JTA) and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) after the Earthquake and Tsunami which devastated eastern Japan. In the seminar, the participants shared the impressions gathered by the members of the VIP FAM tour on their recent trip, and rediscovered Japan as an attractive tourist destination.

2. The Seminar covered wide-ranging issues beyond tourism. The panelists highly praised the sense of responsibility and solidarity of the Japanese people in the tsunami devastated area. They also stressed that enhancing a win-win economic relationship is crucial for the economic recovery and reconstruction of Japan, and concluded that increasing trade and investment through CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), which will take effect on 1st August, is important. Besides, they agreed that expanding business ties between the two countries through steadily implementing flagship projects including DFC (Dedicated Freight Corridor) and DMIC (Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor) is extremely valuable.

3. JNTO announced that it would actively continue its tourism promotion efforts. While three FAM tour groups have already been invited to Japan, in August, the JNTO will invite well-known Bollywood actress, Ms. Dia Mirza, and others in the cinema business, to visit Japan. They will share their experiences in Japan with the people in India after they come back. In October, the JNTO will appoint a representative in India, to be followed by an active “Visit Japan” campaign, including seminars and participation to Travel expos.

Panelists of the Seminar
Mr. Akitaka Saiki, Ambassador of Japan to India
Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Minister
Mr. Sudheendra Kulkarni, Chairman of Observer Research Foundation
Ms. Sathya Saran, Ex-editor of Femina
Mr. Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel
Mr. Jagdeep Rikhy, Vice President of Travel Agencies Association in India