To facilitate tourism between India and Japan, IATO, the national apex tourism body signed an MOU with Okinawa-India Friendship Association (OIFA) & Onna Village Tourism Association of Japan in New Delhi on February 20, 2025. The MOU was signed on behalf of IATO by Mr. Rajiv Mehra, President IATO and Mr. Moritake Tomikawa, President – Okinawa India Friendship Association (OIFA) and Ms. Rumiko Miyazaki, Chairperson – Onna Village Tourism Association. Present on the occasion were Mr. Yoshimi Nagahama, Mayor of Onna Village and Mr. Ravi Gosain – Vice President-IATO.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Rajiv Mehra, President IATO said, “India and Japan enjoy warm and friendly relations. This gives us huge scope for increasing the tourist flow – both inbound and outbound, between the two countries. The interests of the associations IATO, OIFA and Onna Village Tourism Association converge and to give this understanding a formal shape we have signed an understanding. I am sure it will turn into a win-win for both sides. ”
The main objective of signing of the MoU are to encourage a mutual and beneficial cooperation between the three parties and their members.Identify and remove barriers that hinder growth of travel between India and Okinawa. Exchange relevant data relating to tourism statistics, investment opportunities and economic data on travel and hospitality sectors relevant to one another. Undertaking common marketing activities through mutual presence on events of one another’s side leading to promotion of both inbound and outbound tourism.
