Hong Kong, 26 July 2011 – Travellers
worldwide have thrown their support behind Japan and its tourism
industry,
following the devastating earthquake in March, with more than two
thirds of
holidaymakers open to visiting the country, according to a global
study* by
Hotels.com.
Japan ranked in the top three favourite
global destinations for more than half of respondents worldwide, with
the
majority preferring a visit to the capital, Tokyo.
In an encouraging sign for the Japanese
tourism industry, 86 per cent of respondents say they would consider a
trip to
Japan within the next year.
Flight and hotel costs were a major incentive
for travellers, with almost 70 percent declaring they would visit Japan
now if
the price was right. Japan’s local food, culture and sight-seeing were
also
important motivations.
Mr. Hideki Yokoyama, Senior Director, Tourism
Division, Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs of Tokyo Metropolitan
Government said, “I am very encouraged by the fact that so many people
have
stated that they are, “willing to travel to Japan,” or “would like to
plan a
trip to Japan next year” in the survey conducted by your company. I am
also
delighted with the result that ranks Japan within the top three in the
"Favourite Travel Destination Ranking", particularly the comment that
many people are hoping to visit Tokyo. I
hope that everyone will actually visit Japan and get to experience
Tokyo in the
present, which has not changed from before. Moreover, I would like
everyone to
see that Japan as a whole is working together for recovery.
Tokyo's fantastic hospitality never changes.
Please feel safe to visit Japan. Tokyo welcomes all of you."
“It is great to see the intention to travel to Japan remains, despite
the recent natural disasters, and that it has been named a favourite
destination,” said Johan Svanstrom, Vice President and Managing
Director of
Hotels.com Asia Pacific.
To support and accelerate Japan’s recovery, it is important that
travellers continue to contribute to its tourism industry and economy.
Much of
Japan remains open for business, and it is vital that the global travel
industry supports Japan’s tourism operators and hotels.”
“Searches for Japan on Hotels.com Asia sites have remained steady and
it is heartening to see the Japanese tourism market recovering and
attracting
travellers,” he said.
Survey Notes:
* Hotels.com’s research was conducted in July
2011 among over 500 travellers from 17 countries including Australia,
China,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy,
Korea,
Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
About Hotels.com
As
part of the Expedia, Inc. group which operates
in all major markets, Hotels.com, the global hotel specialist, offers
more than
135,000 quality hotels,
B&Bs and serviced apartments worldwide. If the customer can find
the same
deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com will match it. Hotels.com
benefits
from one of the world's largest hotel contracting teams in the
industry,
negotiating the best rates for its customers, plus there are more than
2 million reviews from users who have
actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers make an informed
choice when
booking. The company currently operates 77
Hotels.com sites around the world including 15 sites in 10
languages across Asia Pacific alone. Travellers can book online or by
contacting one of the multilingual call centres on +852 2840 0899
(English) / +852 2840 0896
(Cantonese).