Inbound foreign tourism to Japan has been experiencing significant growth, while domestic travel continues to struggle. The country’s economic situation is a major contributor to this shift, but overtourism at popular destinations has also played a role.
According to data from Japan’s Tourism Agency, domestic hotel stays have only surpassed last year’s numbers on two occasions this year: during the Golden Week holiday in April and in October, when travelers flocked to witness the autumn foliage. A primary reason for this slowdown is the affordability issue, as many people are finding it increasingly difficult to manage travel expenses. The consumer price index for accommodations has surged from 100 in 2020 to 134.3 in recent months.
The rising cost of lodging can largely be attributed to the influx of foreign tourists. A weaker yen has allowed international visitors to stay longer and opt for more luxurious accommodations, pushing up prices across the board. This has led to a noticeable decline in the availability of rooms under 10,000 yen (approximately USD $63) per night.
An online survey conducted among 3,977 respondents revealed a widespread sentiment regarding the increase in foreign travelers, confirming the growing sense that overtourism is becoming a more common phenomenon.
In response, Japan’s government is exploring ways to alleviate the pressure on its most visited areas. One strategy being pursued is the promotion of lesser-known destinations to international tourists. As a tour operator, this initiative is wholeheartedly supported. Encouraging travelers to explore destinations beyond the well-trodden paths of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is a practice frequently endorsed. Lesser-known regions, including Ishikawa Prefecture, Morioka, Izumo, and Katsuyama, are recommended to offer travelers unique experiences and reduce the strain on overcrowded hotspots.
By encouraging a more balanced distribution of visitors, the government hopes to create a more sustainable tourism landscape, benefiting both the local economy and the tourism industry as a whole.
The post How Inbound Tourism Fuels Japan’s Growth While Domestic Travel Faces Affordability Crisis: You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.December 25, 2024 at 10:39PM.jpeg){kind=small}
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