U.S. Visitor Totals to Japan Hit Record High in 2014
August 5, 2014The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on July 23 announced that the number of U.S. travelers to Japan in June 2014 was 87,900 — the highest monthly number ever recorded. U.S. tourists have steadily visited Japan in the past decade, aiding in a prompt recovery of visitors to Japan after the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. In addition, April’s number was the highest ever recorded for visitors from the U.S. market, while this May was the highest number of visitors recorded than any previous month of May. Also, the total number of U.S. visitors in the first half of 2014 was 446,000, which is the highest among previous six-month periods.
The number of U.S. visitors has been recovering since the drop caused by the financial crisis in 2008. Because the overall international recovery rate has been minimal, the consistent recovery in the number of U.S. travelers to Japan is remarkable. Analysis indicates that the positive progress is the result of continuous tourism promotion activities by JNTO and other Japanese local government offices over the last few years. Other contributing factors for the increase include additional direct flights between the U.S. and Japan and the favorable exchange rate for the U.S. dollars against the Japanese yen.
The Japan National Tourism Organization has been promoting Japan’s cultural and historic attractions and high quality of hospitality and rich culinary experiences as well as unique experiences such as high-speed train travel. Also, Travel+Leisure magazine crowned Kyoto the World’s Best City in their World’s Best Awards 2014.