Nowadays Chinese Tourists

Tourists now chase their own desires

Ever since the Chinese government lifted a ban
on grouptravel to Japan in 1999
and Japan began issuing travel visas
to Chinese in 2000,
the number of travelers from that country
has been on the rise.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization,
in 2009 — the year Japan began issuing
more individual travel visas
— the number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan
surpassed 1 million.

In 2010, the number jumped to1.41 million,
eclipsing the number coming from Taiwan
but finishingin second to South Koreans.

Previously, individual travel visas were only
issued to peoplemaking 250,000 yuan
or more per year.

But in July 2010, the restriction was eased,
allowing those making 100,000 yuan
or more to swing through Japan.

Since September 2011,
travel visas are no longer restricted to
only government officials and
leading corporate employees,
and the maximum stay was doubled to 30 days.

In 2011, the number of Chinese arrivals
dropped sharply, to 1.04million.
An altercation between the two countries
at sea and the Great East Japan Earthquake
were responsible.
In November and December, however,
Chinese arrival numbers climbed to record highs.

Chinese tourists used to come in great numbers
around Chinese New Year’s.
But that is changing.
Also, the tourists are finding their own paths.
Some are making their way to theme parks
in outlying areas.
Huis Ten Bosch, aDutch theme park in Sasebo,
Nagasaki Prefecture,
saw a 20% year-on-year increase
in the number of foreign visitors
during Chinese New Year’s.

Now Chinese, who are known to spend three times
as much as Japanese,
are shifting their spending habits.
Total purchases made with China UnionPay cards
during Chinese New Year’s (Jan.22-28)
increased 20% as a whole over a year earlier.
But on a percustomer basis,
credit card settlements dropped about 10%.

Resource:The Nikkei Weekly