Now Reports

Asian Tourists Present Opportunities and Challenges

Overseas tourists are visiting Fukuoka in increasing numbers every year. Fukuoka Airport now has 17 regularly scheduled international routes with 316 flights a week. These air routes link us to 16 cities overseas, primarily in China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Including Japanese, a total of approximately 2.2 million travelers used the airport in the 2006 business year. Furthermore, in 2007 about 844,000 travelers, both Japanese and foreign, used the Port of Hakata terminal to board ferries and high-speed jetfoils to Busan, South Korea. These statistics demonstrate that Fukuoka City has caught the attention of the rest of Asia. In fact, this year already 22 cruise ships from China have visited the Port of Hakata in Fukuoka City. An estimated 32,000 tourists will arrive on these ships from early April through October.

There are several reasons for the growing interest in Fukuoka City. First, it takes only one day by ship from Shanghai, China. Second, we are the closest of the major Japanese cities to the Chinese mainland. Finally, the proximity of the port to such shopping areas as Tenjin and Canal City also adds to the convenience. The cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas called on the Port of Hakata six times from April 5 to May 4 this year. The ship departs from Shanghai on cruises lasting five to seven days, and also stops at Cheju Island in South Korea. The 78,491-ton ship has a capacity of 2,435 passengers. With the exception of the Asuka II, it is the largest cruise ship to call on the port. The welcoming ceremony on the ship’s first call at the port featured the Hakata Golden Lion Dance and Drums and geisha performing traditional arts. After passing through customs, the tourists boarded buses for the Tenjin district to visit a special duty-free square, a site selling Hakata ningyo (dolls), and other destinations.

The visits of these cruise ships have spurred more retail merchants to allow purchases using the Ginren Card, a credit card issued by Chinese banks. In addition, the Costa Allegra, with a capacity of 1,072, will call on the Port of Hakata 16 times from July 9 to October 9. Already, cruise ships are scheduled to visit the port 34 times both next year and in 2009. Industry observers think there will be an upsurge in Chinese overseas travel after the Beijing Olympics, which is expected to have a substantial impact on the Fukuoka City economy. Given the recent influx of visitors, Fukuoka could greatly benefit by improving its hospitality and services.

Originally published in Fukuoka Now magazine (fn116, Aug. 2008)

 

Category
Art & Culture
Fukuoka City
Published: Aug 1, 2008 / Last Updated: Jun 13, 2017

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