Inbound
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JR Kyushu Hotels & Resorts Enhances Multilingual Support and Convenience with “VERY”
(Source : JR Kyushu Hotels & Resorts Inc.) JR Kyushu Hotels & Resorts Inc. introduced the travel app "VERY," developed by Active Values Inc., across 12 of its hotels and inns starting October 2024. Designed to enhance user convenience during their stay and bolster multilingual support, "VERY" requires no app download. Guests can simply scan a QR code installed within the facility using their smartphone. The app automatically adapts to the user’s device language, ensuring seamless usability for international visitors. With "VERY," guests can access hotel facility guides, usage instructions, sightseeing information, and announcements, not only in their rooms but also while outside.
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JNTO Announcement : Record 3,312,000 Inbound Visitors to Japan in October 2024
(Source: JNTO) According to JNTO's announcement, the number of inbound visitors to Japan in October 2024 reached 3,312,000, representing a 31.6% increase compared to the same month last year and a 32.6% increase compared to October 2019. This figure significantly surpasses the 2,496,568 inbound visitors recorded in October 2019, marking the ninth consecutive month of record-breaking numbers for the respective months. Moreover, the total number of inbound visitors for the year through October has reached 30,192,200, the fastest pace to surpass 30 million since statistics began in 1964. The October 2024 figure represents an increase of approximately 790,000 visitors compared to October 2023, showing a 31.6% year-on-year growth. It also reflects a 33% increase from October 2019 and an increase of approximately 440,000 visitors compared to September 2024. This growth can be attributed to the rise in autumn tourism demand and active promotional activities domestically and internationally. With the arrival of the autumn foliage season, inbound demand has increased across various markets. Key contributors include growth in visitors from China in East Asia, Singapore in Southeast Asia, and the United States in Europe, the Americas, Australia, and the Middle East. To sustain this momentum, flexible policies aligned with seasonal...
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JNTO Announcement: Record-Breaking Number of Inbound Visitors to Japan in September 2024! Year-to-Date Total Surpasses 2023’s Annual Total
(Based on JNTO materials) In September 2024, Japan welcomed 2,872,200 foreign visitors, marking a 31.5% increase compared to the same month last year and a 26.4% rise compared to September 2019. The number of visitors in September 2019 was 2,272,883, which means that the current figure has significantly surpassed pre-pandemic levels. This also marks the eighth consecutive month of record-breaking numbers. By the end of September, the total number of visitors for the year reached 26,880,200, exceeding the 25,066,350 total for all of 2023.
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JAL and Hoshino Resorts Launch ‘Classics vs. Hidden Gems’ Campaign to Showcase Japan’s Regional Charms to Inbound Tourists
(Source: Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.) Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. and Hoshino Resorts have launched the “Classics vs. Hidden Gems Campaign,” aimed at promoting tourism resources beyond Japan’s major metropolitan areas for inbound tourists. This campaign seeks to alleviate overtourism and revitalize regional areas. According to a 2023 Accommodation Travel Statistics Survey by the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of foreign overnight stays reached approximately 117.75 million, surpassing 2019 levels. However, 73% of these were concentrated in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Fukuoka. In response, JAL and Hoshino Resorts are working together to encourage more visitors to explore other regions and reduce this concentration.
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Inbound Demand from China During the National Day Holiday: Exploring Travel Destinations and Consumer Trends
Intersect Communications Inc. conducted a survey on travel consumption during the 2024 National Day holiday, targeting residents in China. The results were released just before the holiday. This survey was carried out between September 5 and 6, 2024, using Tencent's messaging app "WeChat" via its survey function. A total of 556 respondents from ten cities participated, including 135 men and 421 women.
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The Current State and Challenges of the Tourism Industry Supported by Inbound Demand: An Analysis of Trends in 2024
The autumn tourism season is expected to bring a surge of visitors to popular destinations across Japan during the two consecutive three-day weekends in September 2024. Since the reclassification of COVID-19 as a Category 5 infectious disease in May 2023, the tourism industry has seen a recovery surpassing 2019 levels. However, concerns over natural disasters, such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake, heavy rains in July, and the Nankai Trough Earthquake emergency warnings following the Hyuga-nada earthquake, remain prevalent. Despite these challenges, the growing demand from inbound tourists continues to support the industry.
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Repurposing Vacant Homes in Tokorozawa City: Spotlight on Mikajima District as a Hub for Inbound Tourism
(Source : Sanpuku Co., Ltd.) The year 2024 has been called "the year of recovery for overseas travel," with inbound tourism for April to June expected to increase by 7.4% compared to the same period in 2019, which saw the highest numbers before the pandemic. This suggests a strong recovery trend in the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan, with further growth anticipated. One notable feature of inbound demand in 2024 is the growing interest not only in traditional tourist destinations along the Golden Route but also in lesser-known areas with rich natural environments and opportunities for outdoor activities. As a result, there is a rising demand for tourist destinations that highlight the unique attractions and characteristics of each region.
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JNTO Announcement: August 2024 Foreign Visitors to Japan Reach 2.93 Million, Setting Record for Seven Consecutive Months
According to JNTO, the number of foreign visitors to Japan in August 2024 reached 2,933,000, marking a 36% increase compared to the same month in the previous year and a 16.4% increase compared to August 2019. This result surpasses the pre-COVID-19 figure of 2,520,134 visitors in August 2019 by approximately 40,000 people, setting a record for the highest number of visitors for the same month for seven consecutive months. (Created based on JNTO data) The number of foreign visitors in August 2024 increased by about 780,000 compared to August 2023, recording a growth rate of 36%. It also showed a 16.4% increase compared to August 2019. However, when compared to July 2024, the number of visitors in August decreased by about 360,000. In previous years, a comparison of July and August data from 2023 and 2019 shows a trend where July tends to have more visitors, with a difference of approximately 170,000 and 40,000, respectively. In contrast, the difference of 360,000 in 2024 between July and August is notably large. Despite exceeding the numbers from previous years, the overall trend for 2024 shows a decline, indicating the need for continued adjustments in tourism policies and promotions to ensure stable visitor...
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SPACER and Seibu Holdings Launch Luggage Delivery Service Using Smart Lockers in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area
(Source : SPACER Inc.) SPACER Inc., in collaboration with Seibu Holdings Inc., has begun a trial of its luggage delivery service, "pikuraku PORTER in Tokyo," starting September 2, 2024, in the Tokyo metropolitan area. This service allows tourists to drop off their luggage at smart lockers installed at stations along the Seibu Railway line, from which it is delivered to their hotel on the same day. By simply placing their luggage in one of these lockers, users can travel freely without the burden of carrying their belongings, allowing them to enjoy sightseeing with ease. (Based on materials provided by SPACER Inc.) The service, known as "pikuraku PORTER," involves dropping off luggage at smart lockers located at stations within specified hours, after which it is delivered to the customer’s hotel on the same day. This service has already been launched in the Osaka and Onomichi areas, and the expansion into the Tokyo metropolitan area is expected to attract even more tourists. By reducing congestion and delays in public transportation during peak tourist periods, the service is also expected to contribute to easing issues related to overtourism. Additionally, local residents will benefit from minimized disruptions to their daily lives caused by an...
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Sharp Increase in Awareness of Dual Pricing for Inbound Tourists: Why Over 70% Now Support It
Loyalty Marketing, the company operating the common point service "Ponta," conducted a survey on dual pricing for inbound tourists, targeting individuals in their 10s to 60s. This survey, following a similar one conducted in February 2024, focused on the awareness of dual pricing, where prices for products and services are set higher for inbound tourists than for domestic residents.