In collaboration with Global Destinations, Sapporo City and All Nippon Airways (ANA) hosted a Networking Luncheon in Delhi on November 19, 2024, to strengthen ties between India and Japan and promote Sapporo as a key destination for Indian travellers. The event brought together industry leaders to showcase Sapporo's unique attractions, cultural experiences, and seasonal appeal and highlight ANA’s seamless connectivity to the region and upcoming collaborations, including an Aamir Khan film shot in Hokkaido, aimed at increasing Indian interest in the region.
Tomonori Aoyama, Director General for Tourism & MICE Promotion at Sapporo’s Economic & Tourism Affairs Bureau, emphasised Sapporo's focus on tapping into India's growing tourism market. He said, “With India boasting the largest population in the world and experiencing significant economic growth, we see immense potential in this market.” Aoyama highlighted the city’s natural winter beauty, with snow piles reaching up to 5 meters, and the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, known for its breathtaking snow sculptures. He further noted, “I hope that exchanges, especially through children, will further strengthen the friendship between our two nations.”
Ryo Bunno, Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), shared his connection to Sapporo, “With collaborative efforts from travel agencies, airlines, and stakeholders like you, the number of Indian visitors to Japan is steadily increasing. We anticipate a record-breaking 2024, with over 200,000 Indian travellers exploring Japan,” Bunno remarked. He recommended late spring and early summer as the ideal time for Indian travellers to visit Sapporo, offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and affordable accommodations. “This off-season for domestic and international tourists aligns with India’s peak travel season, making it perfect for Indian travellers,” he explained. Bunno also emphasised the region’s culinary delights, such as fresh seafood, miso ramen, and the fusion dish of soup curry, which combines Indian spices with Japanese flavours. He emphasised promoting destinations beyond the “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Lara Horin, representing the Tourism & MICE Promotion Department of Sapporo’s Economic & Tourism Affairs Bureau, highlighted Sapporo’s year-round appeal. “It’s such a privilege to call Sapporo home. I have been loving the food and culture here in India, and I’m excited to share Sapporo’s beauty with Indian travellers,” she said. She described the region’s stunning landscapes, including Furano’s flower fields and Hokkaido’s famous powdery snow, often compared to Switzerland. “Hokkaido’s winter, with its powdery snow and drift ice, is often likened to Switzerland,” she noted. Horin also pointed to the unique summer climate, cooler than mainland Japan, and the variety of activities available, such as skiing, snowmobiling, and soaking in Jozankei Onsen. “Sapporo is a haven for skiers and snowboarders, but there are also plenty of exciting activities for non-skiers,” she explained. She passionately spoke about Sapporo's food scene, with an abundance of local specialities and Indian-friendly dining options. We have ensured that Indian travellers feel at home, with plenty of Indian restaurants and vegetarian-friendly options,” Horin said.
ANA’s role in boosting tourism to Sapporo was also a key focus of the event. Tsuneya Katagiri, ANA’s Country Manager for India, discussed the airline's partnership with Aamir Khan Productions for an upcoming film shot in Hokkaido, which is expected to attract Indian tourists when released in 2025. Katagiri remarked, “ANA supported the production team’s travel and plans to launch promotions ahead of the movie to create new travel demand.” He highlighted ANA’s daily flights from Delhi to Tokyo, connecting to Sapporo in just 95 minutes, as well as the airline's comprehensive domestic network within Japan. “New Chitose Airport is more than a gateway; it’s an attraction in itself with restaurants, souvenir shops, hot springs, and even a Pokémon store,” Katagiri said, emphasising the appeal for Indian travellers. He added, “We see Hokkaido becoming the next Switzerland for Indian travellers.”
The event also explored the growing popularity of Japan as a destination for Indian travellers. Ujwal Sood, Senior Manager at JNTO’s Delhi office, shared that over 1.7 lakh Indians had visited Japan by September 2024, marking a significant rise in the number of Indian tourists. “The number of Indian visitors to Japan is steadily increasing, and Sapporo is quickly becoming a must-visit destination,” Sood stated.
The event concluded with an interactive networking session, underscoring the potential for increased collaboration between India and Japan in the tourism sector. Through partnerships, enhanced travel connectivity, and the promotion of ANA (All Nippon Airways) and Sapporo City are well-positioned to attract more Indian travellers and offer them unforgettable experiences in Sapporo.
