Picture courtesy: Freepik

 

In a surprising turn of events, Thailand has been knocked off its pedestal as the favourite destination for Chinese tourists during the Chinese New Year period, with Japan now taking the crown. This shift in travel preferences has been linked to a combination of favourable factors such as lower airfares to Japan, a weaker yen, and relaxed visa requirements, alongside rising safety concerns regarding travel in Thailand.

 

According to reports from Nikkei Asia, Japan saw a doubling in travel reservations from Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year festivities, held from 25 January to 1 February this year. This development follows a consistent trend observed since 2024, where Japan edged out Thailand in terms of total international arrivals, welcoming 36.87 million visitors compared to Thailand’s 35.55 million.

 

Insights from Trip.com Group reveal a 30% increase in international travel from China during this festive period, with Japan emerging as the most popular destination. Similarly, Dongcheng Travel's data places Japan at the forefront, ahead of other adored spots like Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and, notably, Thailand.

 

Several factors have contributed to Japan’s rising appeal. Notably, the Civil Aviation Administration of China recorded a 24.6% rise in international flights out of mainland China, bringing a surge in outbound travel. Carriers like China Eastern and Spring Airlines boosted their flight schedules significantly, especially towards Japan, making travel more accessible and affordable.

Hotel bookings in Japan surged over 300% on New Year’s Eve compared to last year. Interest in regions with emerging popularity, such as Sapporo and Chiba in Japan, has soared, with flight bookings more than quintupled and hotel bookings doubling in these newly favoured areas.

 

Japan's appeal is further bolstered by eased visa policies and economic factors such as the weaker yen, encouraging more Chinese tourists to choose Japan over other destinations. Tourism consultancy JTB anticipates a 33% increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan by 2025, while Japan ambitiously targets attracting 60 million tourists by 2030.

 

The recovery of outbound tourism from China has been sluggish due to continuing economic challenges, but Japan’s strategic efforts to draw Chinese tourists remain undeterred. Meanwhile, Thailand’s appeal has been somewhat dampened by recent social media uproars, including concerns over safety following high-profile incidents involving Chinese nationals.

 

Despite unexpected events, such as the unfortunate news of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu’s demise in Japan, travel to Japan has remained robust, indicating the resilience of its allure for Chinese tourists.

 

Japan's position as a top destination for Chinese tourists appears secure for now, supported by favourable economic conditions and evolving tourist preferences, as the global tourism landscape continues to adjust post-pandemic, reported The Nation.

 

-- 2025-02-13

 

 

And long many it continue  

Don't they want to tour the hubs of human trafficking and city pollution anymore?

Hardly suprising considering the state of the country since thailand opened its arms to the dreggs of society with the 60 day visa free travel.

19 minutes ago, WHansen said:

Hardly suprising considering the state of the country since thailand opened its arms to the dreggs of society with the 60 day visa free travel.

 

Most Japanese consider the Chinese the dregs of visitors

 

 

3 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Most Japanese consider the Chinese the dregs of visitors

 

 

Yes, and they dont give them an inch unlike thailand that all the chinese scammers call their home

Excellent news!

1 hour ago, proton said:

 

Most Japanese consider the Chinese the dregs of visitors

 

 

Not only the Japanese think that.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand’s appeal has been somewhat dampened by recent social media uproars, including concerns over safety following high-profile incidents involving Chinese nationals.

Drowning  groups of Chinese on boat trips and crashing there tour buses never goes down well. 

8 minutes ago, Asquith Production said:

Drowning  groups of Chinese on boat trips and crashing there tour buses never goes down well. 

 I totally agree.

TAT's "Safe and Trusted" Thailand slogan - absolute rubbish!

The Thai Authorities need to investigate and shut down the mass installation of hidden cameras in Hotel rooms, massage parlours and brothels all over Thailands tourist hotspots. When in Thailand, you are being watched and recorded when you think you are in private. This means your hotel bedroom, toilet and shower and any "happy ending" massage you might want. All is watched and recorded for a big list of eager subscribers to sit at home and watch. 

 

https://www.instagram.com/hiddencamerasevidenceinthai/profil…

They're aren't any jetski scams in Japan   

33 minutes ago, asmiller said:

 All is watched and recorded for a big list of eager subscribers to sit at home and watch. 

 

Where do they publish the videos?

I put a hidden camera app on my phone recently and I've checked it in a few places but I'm not even sure what I'm looking for.

Looks like Thailand will need to double down on attracting more Indian visitors to make up for the missing Chinese.

 

Jai Hind!  🇮🇳 

I'd be curious to see how the costs compare. 

 

The recent Thai human trafficking stories are having a huge reaction in China.  It's time for another "Lost in Thailand" movie...

 

15 hours ago, JoePai said:

And long many it continue  

I know where you are coming from but I do like an annual visit to Japan, I don't want to have to deal with the Chinese hordes both home & away !

Not mentioned are the demographics of the Chinese tourists. Japan is attracting the quality tourists. No buffet attacking savages. No spitters. Just big spenders. The sources from which the article is taken, state that Chinese tourists in Japan spent about 1.73 trillion yen (US$11 billion). A lot of that spend used to be done in Thailand. Safe roads, clean air, quality food, reliable policing, potable water make  even a  low cost Japan visit a luxury experience compared to  a visit to Thailand.

And it is a good thing to as it helps normalize relations between the two and will allow a made in Asia solution to the  psychopath in North Korea.

If you've ever been to Japan, you'll understand why.

Very clean and courteous.

The food is awesome.

All the products are legit and not fake or knock offs.

A lot of the Chinese tourist are repeat customer......

Excellent. Please take all the Russians with you.
Guessing, however, these are higher end tourists. No issue with them. It’s the aggressive groups that shout, push n shove and gob everywhere. 

• Popular Post

Posted Thursday at 05:42 AM

Picture courtesy: Freepik

 

In a surprising turn of events, Thailand has been knocked off its pedestal as the favourite destination for Chinese tourists during the Chinese New Year period, with Japan now taking the crown. 

 

Finally some good news !

That's rather difficult to believe. They haven't yet been forgiven for what they did. That's the impression I got when I lived there. And the Chinese prefer cheaper places more than expensive places despite the exponential growth of their middle class exceeding everyone else by a country mile and more.  

I agree. The Chinese tourists who chose Japan over Thailand are of a different category. The more affluent types. Totally another kettle of fish. 
 

On 2/14/2025 at 12:54 AM, Patong2021 said:

Not mentioned are the demographics of the Chinese tourists. Japan is attracting the quality tourists. No buffet attacking savages. No spitters. Just big spenders. The sources from which the article is taken, state that Chinese tourists in Japan spent about 1.73 trillion yen (US$11 billion). A lot of that spend used to be done in Thailand. Safe roads, clean air, quality food, reliable policing, potable water make  even a  low cost Japan visit a luxury experience compared to  a visit to Thailand.

And it is a good thing to as it helps normalize relations between the two and will allow a made in Asia solution to the  psychopath in North Korea.

 

Perhaps the Chinese tourists have figured out that the air in Japan is less polluted than in Thailand.