Japan welcomed a record-breaking 3.29 million foreign tourists in July 2024, exceeding the previous month’s high and showcasing the nation’s resurgence as a global travel destination. This surge, fueled by economic factors and increased flights, highlights the country’s commitment to tourism as a key economic driver.
Japan welcomed a record 3.04 million international visitors in May, fueled by the Chinese holiday season, a surge in East Asian travel, and the weakened yen. This marks the third consecutive month with over 3 million visitors, exceeding pre-pandemic levels in several key markets. The data suggests Japan’s tourism industry is on track for a strong recovery.
Korea has witnessed a decline in Chinese tourists during the Golden Week holiday, a peak travel period in China. The shift is attributed to Chinese travelers opting for visa-free destinations and Japan, which has become more attractive due to a weakened yen. Travel agents report a significant drop in Korean visa applications, with some indicating a reduction of up to one-third compared to pre-pandemic levels. This decline coincides with an increase in Japanese visa applications, as well as growing popularity for other visa-free countries, such as Thailand and Singapore. Experts attribute the shift to factors like favorable exchange rates, ease of travel, and strained diplomatic relations between Korea and China. Despite these challenges, Korea’s tourism sector has shown signs of recovery, with international tourist arrivals reaching 63% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Chinese tourists still contribute significantly, although their numbers remain below pre-pandemic figures.
