Tag Archives: Japan

Global surge & weaker yen bring record 37mn visitors to Japan in 2024

A record number of visitors flocked to Japan in 2024, owing to increased post-pandemic worldwide tourism movement and a weakening yen.

Foreign travellers increased by 47% to a record 36.9 million last year, driven by tourists from South Korea, Taiwan, and China, according to data issued by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on Wednesday. The previous high was 31.9 million tourists in 2019, just before Covid-19 halted foreign travel.

According to the most recent data, the country is well on track to surpass 60 million foreign tourists by 2030. This is owing, in part, to Japan’s reputation as a far more cheap tourism destination, while being one of the world’s most developed economies. As the yen fell to a 37-year low last year, incoming visitors found it much more cheap to dine, travel, and spend at luxury stores.

The number of international visitors visiting Japan also set a new record for a single month in December, thanks in part to increasing regional connections connecting South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, according to the JNTO. The weak yen has also hampered outbound travel, with the number of Japanese travelling overseas remaining at 13 million in 2024, 35% lower than in 2019. (Source: First Post)

Women Traveller is a growing segment of travel.

Atlys’ 2025 Travel Trends forecasts 30% surge in solo female travel

Atlys, a visa processing platform, has released its Travel Trends report, encompassing the key patterns that shaped travel in 2024 and offering a glimpse into emerging themes for 2025. Drawing from extensive data across its platform, the report highlights the evolving priorities of travellers and the broader shifts in the global travel landscape.

The year 2024 saw a steady resurgence in outbound travel, building on the momentum of 2023. Travellers sought meaningful experiences, with affordability and sustainability driving decisions. Cultural exploration, solo adventures, and wellness retreats gained prominence, reflecting a growing focus on personal enrichment and mental well-being.

Adventure tourism and event-driven travel, such as major sports tournaments and global music tours, continued to draw significant interest, showcasing a shift toward immersive journeys.

Mohak Nahta, CEO and Founder of Atlys, said, “Tourism continues to grow year after year, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of meaningful travel. People aren’t just visiting destinations: they’re seeking deeper connections through hidden gems, local cuisines, and transformative adventures. This shift toward more enriching journeys is redefining how we experience the world. We, at Atlys, are committed to helping travellers navigate this evolution, making exploration seamless and memorable.”

Key Travel Trends Shaping 2025
Solo Women Travel: In 2025, solo female travel is set to become a defining trend, reflecting a growing focus on empowerment, personal growth, and exploration. Atlys data reveals that 30% of solo visa applications in 2024 came from women travellers, with projections indicating a 37% increase in 2025. Millennials and Gen Z women dominate this trend, accounting for nearly 70% of solo female travellers aged between their 20s and 40s. The most popular destinations for solo female travelers on the Atlys platform include Bali, Thailand, and Japan, known for their safety, affordability, and immersive cultural experiences. The rise of women-only travel groups and online communities has further fueled this shift toward independent travel, providing women with the confidence to explore the world on their own terms.

Asia’s Tourism Boom: As Asia strengthens its position as a global tourism hub, destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, Indonesia are set to witness significant growth in 2025. Thailand is targeting 40 million international visitors, supported by expanded visa-free policies, increased flight connectivity, and its ongoing efforts to legalize casinos, which could boost tourist arrivals during the low season. Japan is expected to draw 28 million visitors, with Expo 2025 in Osaka anticipated to attract 3.5 million international attendees, showcasing its global appeal. Vietnam and Indonesia, with its affordability, rich cultural heritage, and unspoiled natural beauty, continue to gain popularity among travellers.

The Rise of Wellness Escapes and Slow Travel: Travellers are prioritizing wellness-focused trips, with destinations such as Bali, and Taiwan offering yoga retreats, meditation programs, and holistic health escapes. The rising trend of “slow travel” has encouraged longer stays in culturally immersive settings, where travellers can explore local traditions and reconnect with nature.

Trailblazer Hotels: Travellers are increasingly drawn to unique accommodations that blend comfort with cultural immersion. The global boutique hotel market, valued at USD 25.04 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% through 2030, reflecting rising demand for properties that offer more than just a place to stay. Countries like Italy, Japan, Morocco, and South Africa captivate visitors with boutique riads, traditional ryokans, and vineyard retreats that reflect the lifestyle and traditions of the region. Many of these properties also provide local activities, such as cooking classes, guided cultural tours, or craft workshops, creating a deeper connection to the destination.
Adventure Travel: Adventure tourism is set to thrive in 2025, as travellers increasingly seek immersive and adrenaline-packed experiences. Destinations like Norway, renowned for its Arctic expeditions, and Peru, famous for treks through pristine wilderness such as the Inca Trail, are expected to draw significant interest. Similarly, Australia, celebrated for its vast national parks and unique wildlife, continues to attract adventure enthusiasts. These offbeat experiences reflect a growing global trend toward experiential travel that fosters deeper connections with nature and the environment.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations: 2024 saw a noticeable shift, with travellers increasingly seeking offbeat locations over traditional tourist hotspots. This trend is set to continue in 2025, with more people opting for hidden gems that promise unique cultural and natural experiences. Destinations like Slovenia, Laos, and the Faroe Islands are gaining recognition for their authenticity and charm, offering unspoiled beauty and meaningful interactions with local communities.

Pop Culture Pilgrimages: Travel inspired by pop culture is expected to thrive in 2025, as fans continue to plan trips around their favorite movies, shows, and music events. Popular series and influencer-led travel content are fueling excitement for destinations, encouraging travellers to explore local cuisines, traditions, and unique experiences tied to the regions featured. These journeys allow fans to immerse themselves in the worlds they admire, seamlessly blending entertainment with cultural discovery for a truly memorable experience. According to Atlys, there has been a significant surge in visa interest for destinations linked to global media phenomena, with a notable example being Singapore’s Disney Cruise, which is predicted to see a 27.12% rise in demand in 2025.

Nature’s Greatest Shows: Natural spectacles will continue to captivate travellers in 2025, offering extraordinary opportunities for awe and inspiration. Destinations like Iceland and Norway, renowned for the Aurora Borealis, and Egypt, with its prime locations for witnessing solar eclipses, are expected to see a surge in interest. Bioluminescent beaches in Puerto Rico and the Maldives are also drawing visitors with their magical glow. These journeys offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, creating visually stunning and meaningful experiences. According to Atlys data, demand for visas to destinations famous for their natural wonders is on the rise, with Iceland predicted to see an 18.37% increase and Egypt a remarkable 43% increase in 2025.

Culinary Tourism: Culinary tourism is rapidly growing, with the market projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.78% between 2024 and 2031. Iconic events like Italy’s Truffle Festival, Thailand’s Songkran Food Festival, and the Cheese Festival in France are drawing travellers eager to explore local flavors and traditions. Destinations such as Japan, renowned for its sushi and ramen, and Turkey, celebrated for its baklava and traditional meze, are also gaining traction. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, have fueled this trend by showcasing vibrant food festivals and unique dining experiences, making gastronomy a key driver of travel decisions for 2025.

Shifting Demographics and Preferences:
Indian travellers, a critical segment for Atlys, exhibited unique preferences in 2024 that are shaping 2025 trends:
Youthful Wanderlust: 60.74% of Atlys users in 2024 were under 35, demonstrating Gen Z’s and millennials’ dominance in travel.

Increased Mobility: Business and leisure travel hybrid (bleisure) saw significant growth, with 24% of travellers opting for extended stays to explore beyond work commitments.

The growing middle class and the emergence of tier 2 and tier 3 cities paved the way for more international travellers seeking authentic, budget-friendly travel experiences abroad.

Cities that travelled the most: Bangalore lead the way, with Delhi and Mumbai following.

Looking ahead, travel will continue to evolve with a focus on personalization and convenience. As technological advancements streamline the planning process, travellers will benefit from more efficient, tailored experiences.

Japan’s Sapporo City partners with Global Destinations to tap Indian outbound with ANA

Global Destinations has announced a strategic collaboration with Sapporo City to promote Sapporo City, Hokkaido as a top travel destination for Indian tourists along with All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd (ANA), Japan’s largest airline.

This collaboration comes at a time when Japan is witnessing a surge in demand among Indian travellers, with Sapporo being positioned as a must-visit locale.

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, located in the north of Japan, which is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, vibrant culture, and world-class powder snow. The collaboration aims to introduce more Indian travelers to the unique experiences the city offers, including its famous snow festivals, gourmet cuisine, and scenic landscapes.

Tomonori Aoyama, Director General for Tourism & MICE Promotion Department of Sapporo City, said, “Sapporo is proud to collaborate with All Nippon Airways and Global Destinations to showcase the beauty and culture of our city to the Indian market. We look forward to sharing Sapporo’s magnificent nature, beautiful four colourful seasons, and delicious food and unique cultures with Indian travellers. This partnership is an important step in building a strong relationship between our city and the growing number of Indian tourists visiting Japan.”

Shigeru Ishimoto, General Manager, ANA Mumbai, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Sapporo City, Global Destinations to promote Sapporo as a premier travel destination for Indian tourists. Japan is seeing tremendous growth in interest from India, and we believe Sapporo, with its natural beauty and cultural richness, will resonate strongly with Indian travellers. ANA is committed to providing exceptional service and seamless connections between India and Japan, ensuring that travellers experience Japanese hospitality from the moment they board our flights.

This partnership will leverage ANA’s extensive flight network and Global Destinations’ expertise in destination marketing to educate and create tailored travel experiences for Indians looking to explore Japan beyond well-known cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.

Pranav Kapadia, Founder and Director of Global Destinations, said, “Sapporo is a hidden gem that we are eager to bring to the forefront for Indian travellers. From its snow-capped mountains to its rich culinary offerings, Sapporo has something for everyone. With All Nippon Airways’ impeccable service and connectivity, and Global Destinations’ expertise in curating memorable experiences, we are confident this partnership will significantly enhance the appeal of Sapporo for the Indian market.”

The growing fascination of Indians with Japan stems from the country’s blend of traditional and modern experiences, ranging from cultural immersion in historic temples to high-tech shopping and entertainment districts. With the Indian outbound travel market expanding, Japan has become a prime destination due to its rich heritage, natural beauty, and unique experiences, drawing tourists in increasing numbers.

Adding to the momentum of this campaign, it was revealed that a highly anticipated big-budget Bollywood movie, produced by Aamir Khan Productions, is set for release in 2025. The movie will showcase the city’s stunning landscapes, further boosting Sapporo’s appeal among Indian audiences.

The collaboration between Global Destinations and ANA will involve a series of promotional activities, including networking with the travel trade, social media marketing campaigns, and a series of webinars to educate the travel fraternity and ensure Sapporo remains top-of-mind for Indian travelers.

Visitors in Japan spent record USD 39bn in September: JNTO

Japan’s tourism sector has been booming in 2024, with visitor spending reaching a record-breaking USD 39 billion in the first nine months of the year, according to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

The weak yen has played a significant role in driving this surge, attracting a larger influx of international tourists. By September, visitor expenditures had already surpassed the previous annual record of 5.3 trillion yen set in 2023.

Tourism spending is now positioned to become Japan’s second-largest export sector, trailing only behind the automotive industry, and surpassing electronic components. On average, tourists spent around 223,000 yen (approximately USD 1,490) during their visits, with Italian visitors leading in spending, followed by tourists from Spain and Russia.

In terms of tourist arrivals, Japan welcomed 2.87 million visitors in September alone, just slightly below the 2.93 million in August. Since February, the country has been setting new monthly visitor records, including an all-time high of 3.29 million in July.

Total arrivals for the year up to September reached 26.88 million, already exceeding the total for 2023 and well on track to surpass the pre-pandemic record of 31.9 million set in 2019.

 

 

Thomas Cook India launches store in Kolkata’s New Town

With a strategic intent to capitalise on the strong and growing demand from Kolkata, Thomas Cook (India) Limited has inaugurated a new branch in the high potential market of New Town and its surrounding catchments.

In addition to the customers from the city of Kolkata, the new branch will also service customers from the surrounding catchments of Action Area 1, 2 and 3 and Rajarhat. The new outlet expands Thomas Cook India’s network to 8 locations in the city and state.
New Town’s position as an important market offers a range of valuable consumer segments including – business professionals, families, couples, Young India’s millennials & Gen Z, and seniors alike.

Thomas Cook’s new outlet offers end-to-end travel services: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance, etc.

Kolkata Travel Trends for the festive season
• Top destinations:
o International: Japan, Europe’s Switzerland, France, Finland, Spain-Portugal, Czech Republic-Hungary, Australia, Finland & Scandinavia and Kenya
o Domestic: Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal, Andamans, North-East
• Holiday duration has increased from 3 days to 5 – 8 days for short trips; from 5 days to 10 -15 days for longer trips
• Emergence of fresh new destinations: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea
• Top traveller segments: Multi-generational families, couples, Young India’s millennials & GenZ, GenS (seniors)
• Top source markets for Pujo Tourism: West Bengal Cities like Kolkata, Siliguri & Durgapur & adjoining States Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand & Odisha

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Kolkata is an important source market for us, and we deeply value our discerning customers who are passionate about travelling! Durga Pujo is a very special festival for our customers from the City of Joy and so, we have selected this Pujo season for the inauguration of our Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet in New Town. This central location will offer easy access and seamless services – right to our customers’ doorstep! We have introduced a range of unique tours designed to delight our Bengali customers this festive season.

On behalf of my Team, I extend a warm welcome and special Pujo greetings to our Kolkata customers, and look forward to helping them plan memorable holidays, both domestic and international.”

 

Japan mandates online authorisation for 71 countries

 

Japan will soon mandate that travellers from 71 visa-free countries, including Malaysia and Singapore, obtain online travel authorisation before entering the country. This new system, similar to the U.S. ESTA, will require travellers to submit personal details online before departure. This measure aims to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures. The initiative, part of Japan’s broader tourism plan, is expected to be fully implemented by 2030.

Currently, citizens from visa-exempt countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, the UK, the U.S., and Australia do not need a visa to enter Japan. The new system will require these travellers to provide their purpose of visit and accommodation details for review by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. Those flagged as potential overstays will be denied authorisation and must apply for a formal visa through their local embassy.

Japan’s government plans to fund this travel authorisation system in next year’s budget, aiming to bolster entry management and security. Data from JTB Tourism Research and Consulting Co shows that Japan welcomed around 22,000 visitors from Malaysia between January and June, contributing to a total of over 17.7 million visits during that period.

Under the existing system, airlines send passenger information to the Japanese government shortly after takeoff for screening. However, travellers who fail this screening can still enter Japan, and non-compliance with departure orders has been an issue. The new system is designed to address these concerns by preventing illegal stays and better managing entry.

The Japanese government has reported significant system abuse, with over 28,000 of 49,801 illegal short-term visitors in January 2016 coming from visa-exempt countries. This high rate of overstays has driven the need for enhanced measures to ensure compliance and secure Japan’s borders.