Tensions Amidst Travel: Japan Sees Decline in Chinese Tourists
Japan witnessed a 4.9% drop in visitors in January, marking the first decline in four years, mainly due to a 61% decrease in tourists from China. Tensions between the two nations and a shift in the Lunar New Year holiday season contributed to the decrease.
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Visitor numbers to Japan saw a 4.9% decrease in January, marking the first downturn in four years, according to government data released on Wednesday. The decrease was primarily attributed to a substantial 61% drop in Chinese tourists, amid political tensions between Japan and China.
The decline in Chinese arrivals, totaling only 385,300, is connected to Beijing's travel advisories urging citizens to avoid Japan. This directive followed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments regarding potential military responses to a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan. The timing of the Lunar New Year also played a role in depressing the tourist influx.
Despite the slump from China, South Korea set a record, contributing 1.176 million visitors, marking a significant rise of 22%. Similarly, arrivals from Taiwan and the United States saw increases, while the overall trend continues to highlight the recovering strength of Japan's post-COVID tourism sector.
Google News