Japan and China are experiencing contrasting trends in their post-COVID tourism recoveries. Japan, often topping “Best Places to Travel” lists, is poised to hit record-breaking visitor numbers in 2024. Since lifting COVID restrictions in October 2022, Japan has seen over 3 million international arrivals each month since March, surpassing 2019 figures. This surge is partly due to government initiatives boosting tourism and a favorable yen exchange rate, making Japan more affordable. However, the influx has led to issues of “overtourism,” with crowded temples in Kyoto and labor shortages in the hospitality sector straining operations.
China’s recovery has been slower. Despite a 130% year-on-year increase in foreign visitors from January to July 2024, numbers are still far below pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, China hosted 49.1 million travelers, but only 17.25 million arrived by July this year. Factors hampering China’s tourism rebound include limited flight capacity, particularly from the U.S., and geopolitical tensions. The Chinese government’s societal regulations have also made some foreign travelers uncomfortable.
Additionally, the expansion of visa-free policies has attracted some visitors, but not enough to counteract negative perceptions held by many in Western countries. The navigation of China’s digital payment systems, like WeChat Pay and AliPay, also poses challenges for foreign tourists unfamiliar with these platforms. According to East Asia Forum, addressing these digital hurdles is crucial for revitalizing China’s inbound tourism.
While Japan grapples with its own popularity, China faces significant obstacles in restoring its appeal to international travelers.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/27/why-travel-demand-to-visit-china-is-low-but-interest-in-japan-is-high.html
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