Japan attracts record numbers
TOKYO – A record 4.3 million foreign tourists visited Japan in the first half of this year, up 10 percent from the same period last year.
Increased promotion by overseas travel agents, more flights from Asian centres and a cheaper yen helped boost numbers to their highest for a January-June period, the Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) told Reuters.
“I think many Asian tourists came to Japan instead of faraway destinations due to a surcharge from high oil prices,” JNTO researcher Kenichiro Ozaki added.
South Korean tourists formed the largest group of visitors, with numbers rising 8.1 percent to 1.3 million.
Longer holidays at home and increased numbers of flights helped boost Hong Kong visitors 36.7 percent to 267,000, the agency said.
Ian Jarrett
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