Wakayama, Japan & Maharashtra strengthen tourism ties

A delegation from the Wakayama Prefectural Government led by Hiroshi Shimo, Hon. Vice Governor of Wakayama Prefectural Government, is on a Maharashtra visit (Mumbai–Aurangabad) from May 17 to 23, 2016 with the key agenda of facilitating familiarisation tours bilaterally of Maharashtra and Wakayama. The tours will cover key places in Maharashtra from the Mumbai-Aurangabad circuit and Mumbai-Nagpur circuit (including Tadoba) along with seven travel trade professionals. As part of the MoU between Maharashtra and Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding the Ajanta-Ellora Development Phase 3 and showcasing their full support towards development of tourism in Maharashtra.
Shimo said, “We have successfully implemented various projects in the field of tourism through our MoU. The Maharashtra Corner developed at Wakayama Prefectural Government is instrumental in giving out knowledge about Maharashtra and its offerings to concern authorities in Japan. We are thankful to Hon. CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis for providing us an office space in Aurangabad office which provides us with a similar opportunity to promote Japan tourism in Maharashtra. Our Omotenashi Project has given us a chance to host the MTDC officials in our country and give them an experience of the Japanese hospitality through a seven day programme. We are keen to renew our MoU which has proved mutually beneficial to both countries.”
Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia IAS, Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, commented, “The renewal of the MoU term will help increase tourism inflow in Maharashtra and Wakayama through the agreement. It will further help maintain mutual cooperation between both states for expansion of tourism ties to enhance economic growth and job creation. We thank Hon. Vice Governor of Wakayama, Mr. Hiroshi Shimo for providing assistance in further promotion of Maharashtra Tourism in Japan through the office space they have provided to MTDC in Tokyo.”