TOKYO - Despite the ongoing recession in most European countries, the gloomy mood on the European continent has so far not dented into Japan’s power of seduction for western population.
The four markets have together a market share of 5.1% of all international arrivals to Japan. During the first quarter of 2013, the country welcomed 2.25 million international travellers (up by 18% over Jan-March 2012). Russia was the top performer with total arrivals up by 27.3% to 12,800 visitors while France grew by a remarkable 13.8% to reach almost 30,000 arrivals during the first quarter.
Top European Visitor Arrivals to Japan for January-March 2010 to 2013 (Preliminary figures by JNTO for 2013)
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
UK | 45,700 | 37,600 | 44,000 | 46,400 |
France | 30,200 | 24,100 | 26,800 | 29,800 |
Germany | 28,300 | 21,200 | 25,100 | 27,700 |
Russia | 11,000 | 9,400 | 10,100 | 12,800 |
(Source: JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION)
The surprisingly relative resilience of European arrivals to Japan comes first from the huge share of business travel in total inbound figures out of Europe. It also shows the fidelity of European markets for the brand “Japan”. The country continues to remain a favourite due to its reputation as a highly cultural and trendy destination. And finally, the last phenomenon which is certain to drive recovery now is the weakening of the Japanese yen. Since the end of last year, the Japanese currency lost 40% of its value compared to the European currency. Yesterday, a Euro was buying 132 Yen in foreign markets. In August of last year, the Euro was buying only 95 Yen..." lire à la source
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