More Asians booking Japan trips

BANGKOK  Association of Thai Travel Agents says Thailand’s tourism industry will face stronger competition from Japan, which is intensifying promotions to attract more tourists from Asia.
ATTA president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, warned, last week, that Japan would emerge as a major competitor for Thailand’s inbound market, this year, due to its sophisticated infrastructure and the combination of strong heritage and modern attractions.
“Japan now focuses on inbound tourism which is a magnet to bring more revenue to the country, but it will add competition for Thailand in key Asian source markets.”
inside no 5The president added: “The Japanese government’s visa exemptions for ASEAN travellers is the key factor to boost travel.”
Japan National Tourism Organisation data shows that during January to November, last year, the country welcomed 12,177,500 international visits increasing 28.2% during the same period in 2013.
Thailand is among the top source markets for the Japanese inbound sector recording 581,300 trips up 56.2%. A visa-free stay of up to 15 days is valid for Thai travellers introduced 1 July 2013.
Considering other ASEAN markets, Japan can attract visits from the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia due to easier visa rules for those nationals, he said.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rules for multiple visas are now much easier for the three countries. In addition, relaxing visa issuance requirements, visa validity will be extended from three up to five years for a multiple visa.
Also, applicants residing overseas can apply at the nearest Japanese embassy rather than at the embassy in the country of origin.
Visa applications for package tours handled by registered travel agencies will be simplified for these three countries, the ministry said.
Additionally, visa exemptions based on a system of pre-registered e-passports at a Japanese embassy is available for Indonesians.
Japan first eased its visa policy for tourists from the Southeast Asia in July 2013 by granting multiple entry visas for short-term visitors from Vietnam and the Philippines and waiving visa requirements for Thai and Malaysian travellers for up to 15 days.
These measures are expected to help Japan reach 20 million foreign visitors by 2020.
Travellers from the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia increased 66.9% to 162,300, 46.6% to 116,300 and 12.7% to 135,000 respectively in the first 11 months of last year.
To maintain Thailand inbound market, ATTA president said it will organise agents roadshows to these three countries, while Thailand has to increase transport, infrastructure, facility and raise the quality of tour guide competitiveness.

sourced:ttrweekly.com