Japan Looks to Revamp Tourism as Arrivals Increase – New Initiatives the Need of the Hour

With the reopening of its borders and the easing of global travel restrictions, Japan has seen an increase in arrivals providing a boost to the local tourism industry. While only 245,900 travellers visited Japan in 2021 due to pandemic restrictions, in 2022, the number climbed to 3.83 million. The prospects are even better for 2023 as the nation expects around 20 million arrivals; according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, in January this year, the country welcomed 1.5 million visitors which bodes well for the rest of 2023.

This surge in tourists has also posed a new set of challenges for the tourism industry which is adapting to these needs and requirements; this includes diversifying the traveller experience to not only popular cities like Kyoto but other destinations that have much to offer such as Otaru. Here, one can stay at some of the best hotels in Hokkaido, Japan that also have stringent health and hygiene protocols in place. These include properties like Grand Park Otaru close to key attractions such as the Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi Shopping Street. The tourism industry of Japan is also looking to find an ideal balance, accommodating the rising number of visitors while preventing overcrowding and implementing proper health practices. Additionally, it’s looking to modernise facilities without taking away from traditional experiences and focusing on sustainable initiatives too.