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| Meguro River, Tokyo, Japan. |
New data released by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) shows the number of Australians visiting Japan has exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time, despite overall visitor numbers to the country still being down. While total visitation to Japan from around the world remained 34% lower in March 2023 compared to March 2019, Australians have rebutted the global trend with visitation climbing 2.3% higher in March 2023 compared to March 2019 figures.
"Australians have a great affection for Japan as a destination and we know this sentiment has held firm throughout the pandemic, despite border closures. The Australian visitation numbers we have seen for March are reflective of this pent-up demand for travel to Japan and we're excited to see so many Australians putting their long-awaited travel plans into action," said JNTO Sydney Office Executive Director, Yoko Tanaka.
The March 2023 figures released by JNTO also reveal that Australia is one of only five key markets around the world to have seen an elevation in pre-pandemic visitor numbers alongside the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East. The visitation data comes only 5 months after Japan reopened its borders to overseas arrivals in October 2022, during which time, Japan's COVID rules have been gradually eased. It is expected that international visitors will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination upon arrival in Japan from May 8 2023, making travel to Japan even easier.
"It is exciting to see that so many Australians have decided to return to Japan in such a short time since borders reopened. With the cherry blossom season in full swing and the northern hemisphere summer right around the corner, we're looking forward to seeing what lies ahead.
"Despite the already strong visitor numbers, flights to Japan from Australia are still on a recovery trajectory, and with even more direct connections between the countries expected to become available in the coming months, we hope to welcome even more Australians to Japan in the near future," Tanaka concluded.
For more information:
- The Australian government's Smartraveller website
- JNTO's COVID-19 travel restrictions page is updated regularly in line with the official information provided by the Government of Japan.
- Entry and Quarantine (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
For more information, visit https://www.japan.travel/en/au/
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