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Japanese In-bound Tourism Suffers from Exaggerated Fear

April 26, 2011

The Japanese tourism industry has suffered serious damage due the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Plant. The nuclear crisis spread fear among travelers worldwide and many foreign governments urged their citizens to avoid traveling to Japan following the disasters. Consequently, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has decreased by over 70% in the three weeks following the earthquake. The Japanese government is now reviewing its strategy to attract tourists back to Japan.

Many hotels in Tokyo's Asakusa area which are usually full foreign tourists in March and April for Japan's cherry blossom season, have reported a much lower number of customers this year. Luxury hotels which serve business travelers are also in much the same situation. Matthew E. Avril, President of Starwood Hotel Group, which owns 14 hotel brands such as Sheraton, said "Although I can't give an accurate number at this time, our business in Japan has been significantly affected." On a personal note, however, he added, "Since I've arrived here in Tokyo, I haven't felt myself to be at any major risk."

According to the Immigration Bureau of Japan, the number of foreign travelers arriving at Narita Airport between March 11 and April 1 this year was 71,200. This is a 73% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Before the earthquake, the Japanese government was seeking to increase the number of inbound travelers as a main component to kick-start economic growth. Last year the number of foreigners visiting Japan was 8,610,000. On average foreign visitors spent 133,000 JPY per person during their visit to Japan or 1.1 trillion JPY overall last year.

April 9, 2011 Mainichi .jp

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