Indian Tourists Fuel Japan’s Tourism Boom: Spending Surges 120% Over Pre-Pandemic Levels
The second quarter of 2024 saw a remarkable surge in spending by Indian travellers in Japan, showcasing their growing influence on the country’s tourism economy. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Indian tourists contributed a staggering 19.2 billion yen (approximately INR 10,768 million) to Japan’s travel economy, a 120.7% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and a 63.1% rise from the same period in 2023.
This substantial increase in spending reflects the rising affluence and travel aspirations of Indian tourists. The number of Indian visitors to Japan also saw a significant jump, with 71,923 Indians travelling to the country between April and June 2024. This represents a 36.7% increase compared to 2019 and a 48.3% rise from the same period in 2023. The month of May 2024 saw the highest number of Indian visitors, with 29,100 travellers, marking a 61.7% increase compared to May 2023.
Indian Tourists Outspend Global Counterparts
Not only are Indian tourists visiting Japan in greater numbers, but they are also spending more than ever before. The average spending per Indian traveller during this period reached 266,186 yen, surpassing the average spending of all foreign visitors (239,028 yen) by 11.3%. This figure also represents a 61.4% increase compared to the same quarter in 2019.
Indian tourists are particularly enthusiastic about spending on tourism and leisure activities. They spent an average of 299,950 yen on these categories, which is 25.8% higher than the global average of 238,389 yen. This highlights the appeal of Japan’s diverse cultural attractions, historical sites, and scenic beauty to Indian travellers.
Accommodation and Food Top Spending Categories
Indian travellers are allocating their spending strategically, with accommodation topping the list at 44.3% of their expenses. Food and beverages follow closely at 18.6%, followed by shopping (17.5%), transportation (15.6%), and leisure activities (3.7%).
JNTO Highlights Growing Importance of Indian Market
Ryo Bunno, Executive Director of the JNTO Delhi Office, expressed optimism about the continued growth of Indian tourism to Japan, stating, “The increase in spending by visitors from India is a testament to the country’s prosperity and growing affluence. We are optimistic that this trend will contribute to the continued growth and development of the tourism sectors in both India and Japan.”
He also highlighted the vital role of Japan’s world-class hospitality industry in attracting Indian tourists. “Japan’s high-quality hotels and services are ideally suited for both leisure and business travellers. We hope to see more Indian tourists experiencing Japan’s outstanding hospitality. India remains one of the most promising markets for inbound tourism to Japan.”
Overall, foreign visitor spending in Japan during the April-June period reached a remarkable 2,140.2 billion yen (approximately INR 1.2 million crore), representing a 73.7% increase from the same period in 2023 and a 68.8% rise from 2019. These figures underscore the strength of Japan’s tourism industry and the significant contribution of Indian travellers to its continued growth and success.
