Okinawa’s tourism sector is watching China’s call for citizens to avoid travel to Japan with growing unease. The prefecture had projected a record 10.88 million visitors in 2025, supported in part by strong demand from China. Hoteliers and retailers warned that reduced bookings, weaker duty-free sales, and fewer cruise arrivals were realistic risks. Some cities still lack restored post-pandemic direct flights to Naha, adding to the uncertainty. Industry leaders noted that many Chinese travelers rely on China-based agencies and frequent China-affiliated shops, raising the possibility of broader commercial impact. The Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau said the situation could make surpassing pre-pandemic levels difficult and hoped conditions would stabilize soon. Source: Okinawa Times
Photo by Shino Nakamura on Unsplash
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