Japan Tourism on Alert 😰
On Nov 29, the Japanese financial daily Nikkei Asia raised the alarm over a surge in flight cancellations from the Chinese mainland to Japan for the month of December ✈️.
The wave of cancellations follows a travel warning issued this month by the Chinese government, a response to recently-criticized remarks about Taiwan made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. With tensions rising, some travellers from the Chinese mainland are rethinking their winter plans in Japan.
Japan's tourism sector, which saw a post-pandemic rebound this year, now faces fresh challenges. Domestic tourism agencies warn that if cross-border relations remain strained, hotels, restaurants and local businesses could see major revenue losses 📉. December, traditionally a peak season for Japanese snow resorts and festive city breaks, is now clouded by uncertainty.
"We're seeing bookings drop by nearly 30% compared to last year," says a spokesperson for a Tokyo-based travel agency. "Many Chinese mainland tourists are postponing or shifting to other destinations."
Industry insiders note that while some tour operators are pivoting to markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, the loss of high-spending visitors from the Chinese mainland is hard to replace in the short term.
Experts believe that diplomatic dialogue and careful messaging in the coming weeks will be key to restoring confidence. Until then, Japan's tourism industry is bracing for a challenging winter season—hoping a thaw in political rhetoric can bring travellers back 🕊️.
Reference(s):
Japanese newspaper expresses concern over decline in Chinese tourists
cgtn.com
