Chinese travelers' enthusiasm for visiting Japan during the Spring Festival holiday remains high, despite an appreciating Japanese yen and an exit tax levied on foreign visitors.
Japan has become the hottest overseas destination for Chinese travelers during the upcoming one-week Spring Festival break in early February, according to Ctrip.
By Jan 4, the number of travelers who booked trips to spend Spring Festival in Japan jumped 40 percent year-on-year, and their per capita spending on booking is 9,000 yuan ($1,312) on average. More than half of the popular routes have been sold out, Ctrip said.
From Jan 7, the Japanese government started to levy a 1,000 yen ($9.17) exit tax on foreign travelers who take flights or cruises leaving Japan, and the money will be added to their flight or cruise tickets.
Industry analyst said the exit tax, which is around 64 yuan, would add to the cost of Chinese travelers visiting Japan, but it is unlikely to have an impact on the willingness of those who have plans to travel, as the amount is small.
From January to November in 2018, 7.78 million travelers from the Chinese mainland who visited Japan, a rise of 14.6 percent year-on-year. During the period, Chinese mainland travelers accounted for 27.24 percent of the total foreign travelers who visited Japan, and they continue to stand as the largest tourist source, according to Japan Tourism Agency.
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