Lifestyle

Huge Surge in Japanese Tourists to Vietnam in First Half of 2022

According to Nguyen Trung Khanh – General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the number of Japanese tourists to Vietnam has shown signs of recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic with 28,200 arrivals in the first half of 2022, an increase of 594% compared to the same previous last year.

Administrator

18 August, 2022

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A report from the Ehime Provincial Tourism Conference on August 2 revealed that Vietnam experienced a significant increase in international visitors, with over 600,000 arrivals in the first half of 2022. This marks a 6.8-fold increase compared to the same period in 2021. Notably, the number of Japanese visitors to Vietnam reached 28,200 arrivals, reflecting a remarkable increase of 594%.

The Ehime Provincial Tourism Conference, which took place between Vietnam and Japan, served as an important tourism promotion event following the pandemic.

During the conference, Governor Tokihiro Nakamura of Ehime Prefecture, Japan, showcased the unique attractions of the province’s tourism industry.

Ehime, situated in the northwest of the Shinkoku region, is conveniently located just 1.5 hours away from Tokyo by flight. The province is renowned for its various attractions, including Dogo hot springs, Matsuyama castle, the historic city of Uchiko, and the scenic Shimanami sea highway.

One notable highlight is Dogo hot spring (Dogo-onsen), which served as the inspiration for the setting of the renowned animated film “Spirited Away” by director Miyazaki Hayao. With a history spanning 3,000 years, it stands as the oldest hot spring in Japan.

Ehime offers visitors numerous activities, such as witnessing the breathtaking autumn leaves in the Nametoko valley, skiing during winter, and cycling along the picturesque Shimanami Kaido highway.

Moreover, Ehime is celebrated for its 40 unique varieties of mandarins. Mr. Nakamura highlighted that visitors can indulge in an assortment of delectable tangerines, each one available during its respective season, making Ehime a desirable destination for enthusiastic fruit lovers.

A tourism seminar held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as part of Ehime province’s efforts to strengthen ties with Japan – Photo: CONSULAR OF JAPAN IN VIETNAM

Furthermore, Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, in his assessment during the conference on August 2, emphasized Japan’s significance as a key tourism market for Vietnam.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh stated, “In 2019, Vietnam welcomed nearly 1 million Japanese tourists, marking a 15% increase compared to 2018. Japan ranks third among Vietnam’s largest tourist markets.” The Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism noted that Vietnamese tourists visiting Japan also showed rapid growth, reaching 500,000 arrivals in 2019, a 27% increase from 2018.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh added, “Vietnamese people now come to Japan for studying, working, traveling, and seeking cooperation and business opportunities.”

The Japan Tourism Promotion Agency (JNTO), represented by Mr. Kenji Yoshida, indicated that package tours are the preferred method of travel chosen by Vietnamese tourists when visiting Japan. According to a survey conducted in March 2022, 61.8% of participants stated that they often purchase package tours for their Japan trips.

Additionally, 69.6% of participants mentioned that they primarily receive travel advice from companies providing travel and tour services.

Mr. Yoshida emphasized the vital role of travel agencies and tour operators in facilitating tourism between Vietnam and Japan, as suggested by these figures.

@ Cafef