Japan’s tourism sector continues to flourish, receiving more than 3 million foreign visitors last May for the third month in a row, thanks in part to the decline in the value of the yen.
According to government figures released yesterday, Wednesday, 3.04 million foreign tourists visited Japan last May, which represents an increase of 60.1% over the same month last year.
The Japanese National Tourism Organization attributed this increase to the holiday season in China and the increase in the number of planes and ships arriving from East Asia.
The number of tourists from more than a dozen countries and regions, including South Korea and the United States, has reached record levels.
Significant growth
From January to May, Japan saw a total of 14.64 million visitors, an increase of 6.5% compared to the same period in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.
This strong performance confirms Japan’s successful recovery in the tourism sector after the pandemic, as described by the French Press Agency.
Tourism experts the agency spoke to point to Japan’s strategic efforts to boost its tourism industry.
A spokesman for the Japan National Tourism Organization said: “The weak yen has made Japan a more attractive destination for international travellers.” He added, “Our efforts to increase aviation and cargo capabilities from key markets have paid off significantly.”
Direct economic impact
The influx of tourists has had a positive impact on the Japanese economy, benefiting various sectors such as hospitality, retail and transportation.
Reuters said that the continued increase in visitor numbers is expected to enhance economic recovery efforts.
With Japan’s tourism industry showing no signs of slowing down, experts expect continued growth. “As we approach the peak travel season, we expect these numbers to rise further,” the spokesman said, noting that “our goal is to maintain this momentum and ensure that Japan remains a top destination for international travelers.”
