Japan’s Rural Travel Destinations attract Wealthy Asians

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the tourism industry in Japan, especially in rural areas where many tourist destinations are located. However, the latest data suggests that there are signs of recovery, with domestic spending by wealthy Asians on hot springs and golf courses rising sharply in some prefectures. While this is certainly welcome news, it is clear that the accommodation industry will need to address the severe labor shortages in the tourism and hospitality sectors if it wants to maintain momentum.

Japan’s Rural Travel Destinations attract Wealthy Asians ph: instagram@merrymerryjj

Data on credit card usage by foreign tourists shows that there has been a clear shift in key consumption locations, from large metropolitan areas to rural areas. As more tourists begin to visit these rural destinations, there is an urgent need to ensure that there are enough people working in the tourism and hospitality sector to meet the increase in demand. Otherwise, there is a risk that visitors may not have a positive experience due to long wait times and other issues caused by understaffing.

To handle large numbers of visitors effectively, the accommodation industry in rural areas will need to hire more people while promoting automation. Automation can help to streamline many aspects of the hospitality industry, from booking and check-in procedures to cleaning and maintenance. This can help to increase efficiency and reduce costs while also freeing up staff to focus on providing a more personalized and high-quality experience for guests.

Japan’s Rural Travel Destinations attract Wealthy Asians ph: instagram@merrymerryjj

However, it is important not to rely solely on automation to meet the growing demand for tourism in rural areas. While automation can certainly help to improve efficiency and reduce costs, it cannot replace the human touch and personalized service that visitors expect when they are on vacation. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between automation and hiring more people to ensure that visitors receive the best possible experience.

The rise in domestic spending on tourism in rural areas is certainly a positive sign for the tourism industry in Japan. However, this growth will be unsustainable if the accommodation industry cannot address the severe labor shortages that exist in the sector. By hiring more people and promoting automation, the industry can ensure that it is able to handle large numbers of visitors and provide a high-quality experience that will encourage them to return in the future.