Japanese tourism is on the rise after the earthqake, tsunami and nuclear damage earlier in the year.
October 5, 2011- The president of the World Travel and Tourism Council announced they have witnessed significant signs of recovery in the tourism sector in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami earlier in the year.
The Council’s report was positive and stated that by early 2012 international travelers will be returning to Japan in large numbers. It also said that domestic tourism and travel demands would increase in nearly the same timeframe.
Part of the reason for the recovery is due to the Yen appreciating and positive reports about the Fukushima nuclear plant’s containment efforts.
Another reason mentioned in the report for the quicker than expected recovery, is the strong marketing campaign the Japan Tourism Agency has undertaken that included both private and public partnership initiatives.
Since Japan is the world’s third largest tourism and travel economy, its recovery has been on the minds of many people in the industry throughout the world. In the months following the tragedy tourism numbers fell off tremendously.
In April tourist numbers were down 62%, in May 50% and in June and July 36% lower. Those numbers have started to inch their way higher as the country recovers and its infrastructure is put back into order. The Council says a full recovery is still not a reality, but it has significantly improved.
