Japan Attracts Record No. of GCC Visitors

As global tourism continues to bounce back, Japan is witnessing a significant resurgence in inbound tourism, led by visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Countries like Singapore, Vietnam, the United States, and Mexico are also fueling the recovery, but it’s the GCC region that’s leading the pack.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), in the first half of 2023, 13,537 travelers from the GCC nations visited Japan, nearly matching the 2019 figures. Additionally, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain even surpassed their 2019 visitor numbers, indicating a robust return to pre-pandemic tourism levels.

June 2023 marked a substantial milestone, as Japan welcomed 2,073,300 international visitors, equivalent to 72.0% of the June 2019 figure. This represented the first time since January 2020 that the visitor count surpassed two million in a single month, hinting at a promising rebound for Japan’s tourism industry.

Japan’s cumulative international visitor count for the first half of 2023 reached an impressive 10,712,000, underscoring the resilience of the nation’s tourism sector.

Mr. KOBAYASHI Daisuke, Executive Director of JNTO’s Dubai office, lauded the recovery and credited the surge to visa waiver arrangements, online visa applications in select GCC countries, and the lifting of COVID-19 border restrictions in April. Furthermore, strong collaboration with regional airlines and travel agencies has successfully promoted Japan as an attractive destination.

Looking ahead to the summer, Mr. Daisuke invites visitors to enjoy Japan’s vibrant festivals and outdoor events. Highlighting the Tohoku region’s Sandai Matsuri and the Earth Celebration on Sado Island, he encourages travelers to immerse themselves in these unique cultural experiences.

In a warm message to GCC travelers, Mr. Daisuke stressed that Japan is ready to welcome back visitors with its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality. With the rebound in international tourism, it’s an ideal time for travelers to rediscover the charms of Japan.

To stay updated on travel advisories and information on traveling to Japan, please visit JNTO’s websites at https://www.japan.travel/en/ or https://www.japan.travel/ar/ae/ for the Middle East market in Arabic.