James Mundy, PR and marketing manager for InsideJapan Tours, reports on the state of Japan's tourism six months afer the country was hit by a tsunami and an explosion at its Fukushima power plant.
"Directly after the events of March 11, approximately 45% of InsideJapan Tours’ customers travelling between March and June cancelled their trips, with the remainder either continuing with their trip or deciding to rebook for a later date.
In June bookings created were at about 60% of those in the same month in 2010 and July sat at approximately 70%.
Departures for September are currently on 97% of 2010 levels which is great news, but there is still some work to do for the usually peak autumn months. The Japan specialists are aiming to make a recovery back to normal booking levels by November 2011.
There have been some very good accommodation deals over the summer months and many of the larger hotels are continuing offers into the autumn in the hope of attracting foreign visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun.
There are currently some excellent return flights prices with direct carriers such as BA and Virgin flying between London and Tokyo. All these factors coupled with the fact that October and November are beautiful times of year with warm weather, traditional festivals and stunning vivid autumn colours that cover mountainsides and temple gardens across the country.
Tourism is gradually picking up in Japan, although it is still a way behind levels of 2010 which is one reason people should take advantage and go now.
There are less foreign visitors right now, rendering once busy tourist sites comparatively empty, but cultural experiences richer and the welcome even warmer than usual. The Japanese people are keen to show non-Japanese that they have a stunning country, a beautiful culture and that they DO want people to visit."
