Is Japan tourism set to surge?
It certainly looks that way as the Japanese National Tourism Organization (JNTO) revealed that Japan has won the prestigious title of top destination worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards.
The prestigious recognition coincides with a period of growth and recovery in Japan’s tourism industry, rebounding from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Arrival numbers from Canada have surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels and overall North America is projected to close the gap by early 2024.
Bookings in both luxury and general market properties are seeing a significant uptick. Much of this resurgence is fueled by robust demand from North America, where bookings are projected to surge by over 100 per cent in the next six months.
Last year's winner was Portugal, which reported its best ever tourism numbers for 2022 and has already set records in the first seven months of 2023.
In a press release, Mr. Ken Toyoda, Executive Director of JNTO Toronto stated “We are so appreciative of so many Canadian travellers who are coming to Japan this year. We are honoured to receive this award from Condé Nast, and heartened that so many people are discovering or rediscovering the beauty of Japan and recommending it to others.”
He continued, “The current Japanese tourism experience offers travellers a diverse range of dynamic regions with rich and unique traditions that enhance the special qualities of each. We believe there is something to appeal to every kind of traveller.”
Garnering an impressive overall rating of 92.43, Japan finished just ahead of Italy (91.43), Greece (91.16), and Ireland (90.75), claiming the top spot on a list otherwise dominated by European destinations.
The Reader’s Choice Awards hold immense significance within the global travel industry. They are voted on annually by the readership of Condé Nast, with the total votes often exceeding five hundred thousand.
You can learn more about Japan at https://www.japan.travel/en/ca/.
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