Japan set to have a very slow tourism recovery start

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the country has opened its borders to more refugees from Ukraine than international tourists.

Only 1.500 foreign tourists have booked a package tour in Japan during the last month, which translates into a very slow restart for the country’s travel industry.

The news comes after a two-year ban on tourism and a reopening that has been done gradually, with little steps, while considerably affecting business in the sector, despite main players constantly pressuring the officials to allow international arrivals.

On the other hand, 1.586 refugees from Ukraine have been welcomed here since the beginning of the war, the Immigration Services Agency announced, which accounts for more people when compared to foreign tourists.

Japan has chosen to remain one of the strictest countries in the world when it comes to post-pandemic tourism, with mandatory Covid testing upon entry and clear guidelines applicable for all international visitors. According to official statements, the government aims to boost foreign arrivals to 20.000 people per day, but for now international tourism here is considered to be at a fraction of its potential.

 

Source: skift.com