Tokyo Promotes Tourism In India, Expects 20% Growth In Indian Arrivals In 2017

Looking ahead to the 2020 Olympics/ Paralympics and beyond, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is implementing measures to create a strong impression of Tokyo as a tourist destination.

India being the 17th source market for Tokyo, is steadily growing year on year. Last year, Tokyo witnessed 123,000 Indian travellers, an increase of about 19.3 per cent over 2015. This year too, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is looking ahead to another 20 per cent jump from India.

“India and Japan have always shared a healthy bond. With an increasing number of outbound travellers, we believe that it will be beneficial for us to promote tourism in India,” said Ken Katayama, Deputy Director General, Bureau of Industrial and Labour Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

The number of Indian tourists to Japan is growing steadily, finally topping 100,000 in 2015. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is expecting approximately 40 million inbound arrivals to Japan and 25 million to the Tokyo city during the upcoming 2020 Olympics (July 24-August 9) /Paralympics (August 25-September 6) event, to be held in Tokyo.

“We understand that language is a major problem. We are looking to set up more multi-lingual information centres across Tokyo. Additionally, we plan to install interactive digital signage and complimentary Wi-Fi for tourists in all important locations so that tourists can access important information at any time,” said Masahiko Sakamoto, Senior Director Tourism Division, Bureau of Industrial and Labour Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Masahiko Sakamoto outlined that Tokyo is as good as a tourist city as it is for business. It is a great shopping haven in India market with theme parks, traditional culture, heritage and Japanese cuisine. There are new hotel projects being developed in Shibuya and a new shopping complex in Ginza district of Tokyo which will house 241 luxury brands with flagship stores.