Short-Term Impact on Outbound Tourism from Thailand to Japan Expected

Strategic Insights -

Thai tourists remain committed to traveling to Japan, despite a recent tsunami warning, with no cancellations from scheduled tour groups reported. According to Anake Srishevachart, honorary chief advisor at the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), the situation should only have a short-term impact on outbound tourism. The association is closely monitoring the situation to evaluate the impact on tourism, which depends on the level of tsunami destruction in Japan's cities and attractions. Japan remains a favourite destination for Thais, thanks to its weak yen, short travel distance, and numerous attractions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thai tour groups scheduled to travel to Japan have not canceled their trips, despite a tsunami warning.
  • Anake Srishevachart, honorary chief advisor at the TTAA, expects a short-term impact on outbound tourism.
  • The association is monitoring the situation to evaluate the impact on tourism, which depends on the level of tsunami destruction in Japan's cities and attractions.
  • Japan remains a favourite destination for Thais, thanks to its weak yen, short travel distance, and numerous attractions.
  • The number of Thai tourists visiting Japan is expected to exceed 1 million in 2025, similar to last year.
  • Thai Lion Air has reported no cancellations from tourists due to the incident and is monitoring the situation closely.
  • Japanese airports where Thai Lion Air operates flights are still open as normal.

Statistics:

  • An 8.8-magnitude earthquake triggered tsunami warnings and evacuations in certain Pacific areas, including Russia, Hawaii in the US, and Japan.
  • More than 2 million people living along Japan's coastline were instructed to evacuate.
  • High waves of 1.3 meters reached a port in Iwate prefecture.
  • Japan welcomed more than 680,500 Thai tourists in the first six months of the year, up 10.1% year-on-year.
  • The airline recorded a load factor of roughly 70% this month.

Sources:

  • Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA)
  • Japan National Tourism Organization
  • Thai Lion Air