By Chris Bradley
Many tourists decided to abandon Japan after the earthquake and tsunami in March, especially with the nuclear problems which followed. It was expected that there would be problems but it was not predicted that things would be so bad. However a recent survey carried out by Hotels.com has shown that 60% of people surveyed, that came from all over the world, were open to visiting the country.
It was actually ranked in more than half of the respondents’ top three places to visit with most wanting to visit Tokyo. Another positive response was that eighty six per cent of people said that they would consider travelling to Japan within the next year. Many said that price would be a big factor in making their decision with some saying that the food, culture and sight-seeing were also important factors in their decision as to whether to visit this location.
It is great to see that people are seeing Japan as a viable location for a trip now especially that they are interested in going to Tokyo which was affected by the disaster. Senior director, Tourism Division, Bureau of Industrial and Labour Affairs of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Mr Hideki Yokoyama, said that this was a very positive sign. He also went on to say that he would encourage everyone to visit the country and especially the capital as it has lots to offer and great hospitality, which is as good now as ever. He also said it would be great for people to see how the whole of the country is working together for a quick recovery from the disaster.
