JAPAN: Kyushu Quakes Hit Region’s Tourism Sector

Tourism officials are increasingly concerned that a recent series of powerful earthquakes that have rattled central Kyushu could affect visitor numbers to the region.

Although the latest tourism data released Wednesday by the Japan Tourism Agency showed a continued rise in the number of foreign tourists arriving in March, the Kumamoto earthquakes will likely hit the government’s tourism drive hard.

The March data showed the number of foreign visitors to Japan surged 31.7 percent on-year to a record 2.01 million, marking the first time the monthly figure has surpassed 2 million.

Following the Kumamoto quake, however, the Chinese Consulate General in Fukuoka on Saturday warned Chinese citizens not to travel to Kumamoto, which was hit hardest by the quakes, and advised them to be careful in making trips to other parts of Kyushu.

Hong Kong authorities have also issued a caution for travel to Kumamoto.

Chinese travelers have brought great benefits to Japan’s tourism and other related industries partly through their bakugai (explosive buying) sprees.

As of Thursday afternoon, 48 fatalities have been directly linked to the quakes, with a further 11 deaths in Kumamoto Prefecture attributed to quake-related issues such as illness, stress and fatigue.

Foreigners have already started canceling their reservations at hotels in Kyushu.

An official at a major travel agency said it was difficult to forecast the course of demand because it remained to be seen at what pace restoration of transportation networks, such as roads and railways, will proceed.

After the quakes, Hotel Nikko Fukuoka received some 100 cancellations from foreigners, including those who had planned to travel around Kyushu.

Nippon Travel Agency Co. faced a rush of requests from foreigners who were scheduled to visit the three Kyushu prefectures of Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Fukuoka. Such requests included an extended stay in Kagoshima and changes in sightseeing plans in Kumamoto.