Chinese tourism to Japan plunges 50% over Lunar New Year as Thailand cashes in
Chinese tourists significantly reduced their travel to Japan, leading to a 50% decline, while Thailand emerged as a preferred destination during the Lunar New Year holiday.
During the recent Lunar New Year holiday, Chinese tourist arrivals in Japan dropped dramatically by 50%, primarily due to escalating political tensions between China and Japan, particularly concerning Taiwan. As a result, many Chinese travelers opted for Thailand, which has become the most favored destination with around 250,000 arrivals from China during this holiday period.This shift signifies a notable trend where travelers are increasingly avoiding Japan and opting for countries perceived as safer and friendlier, reflecting current geopolitical dynamics. Thailand, in particular, has capitalized on this trend due to its long-standing appeal to Chinese tourists for its affordable prices, beautiful beaches, and close proximity to China. Furthermore, Thailand's historical relationship as a go-to destination for early Chinese tour groups has solidified its status, though previous safety concerns had temporarily impacted its attractiveness.