The Philippines ranked seventh in tourist arrivals in Japan, with 622,300 Filipino tourists visiting the Land of the Rising Sun last year, marking a 1.5% increase from pre-pandemic benchmarks set in 2019, according to official estimates released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on January 17. JNTO is now gearing up to participate in the 31st Travel Tour Expo (TTE) and International Travel Trade Expo 2024 from February 2 to 4 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, where they will offer enticing packages and deals on various Japan destinations.
Deputy Marketing Manager of JNTO in the Philippines, Belden Yñiguez, stated that Japan’s appeal to Filipino tourists is centered around safety, security, efficient public transportation, delectable cuisine, and picturesque locations. While many Filipinos prefer independent travel in Japan, events like TTE encourage them to explore hidden gems and other attractions with the help of local travel agents and operators.
JNTO’s aim extends beyond Tokyo and Osaka, as they hope to attract more Filipino tourists to lesser-known cities such as Fukuoka. Yñiguez highlighted Fukuoka’s gastronomic delights, access to fresh fish, and its role as an entry point to Kyushu, popular among Catholics. Activities like dolphin watching and the Obama Onsen hot spring experience in Nagasaki are also highly recommended.
As Chinese New Year approaches on February 10, it comes as no surprise that Japan remains a top choice for Filipino holiday-goers. Agoda’s booking data reveals that Tokyo and Osaka are among the most preferred international destinations for Filipinos during the Year of the Wood Dragon. Other popular destinations include Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore. Enric Casals, Associate Vice President for Southeast Asia at Agoda, noted the significance of the Lunar New Year period for travel and highlighted the diversification of markets with visa-free travel and incentives offered by hotels and destinations.
Last year, Tokyo was identified as a top holiday destination for Filipinos in two separate studies, one based on Google Flights searches and the other according to the booking platform Airbnb. Additionally, Agoda’s latest findings indicate the top inbound markets for the Philippines during Chinese New Year, with South Korea, China, the United States, Japan, and Singapore leading the list. Among the local destinations, Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, and Palawan are the top five most popular choices for travelers.