The land of the rising sun has been ranked the number two destination to visit in 2016 by Lonely Planet, with the latest statistics released by the JNTO showing visitor numbers at an all-time high.
Held at a traditional izakaya in Sydney last night, the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) put on a stellar cocktail reception for travel media and industry professionals to celebrate Japan’s selection as the number-two travel destination in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2016 publication.
Released annually in late October, Best in Travel is all about setting the agenda of travel for the year to come, with very specific criteria used to determine which countries make the cut.
According to Chris Zeiher, APAC spokesperson for Lonely Planet, Japan was chosen as the number-two destination to visit in 2016 for a number of key reasons:
“Japan presents itself as a significant value destination, offers a gamut of unique experiences and ease of access. It’s also a family-friendly destination and a great destination for solo female travellers.”
Chris Zeiher, APAC spokesperson for Lonely Planet
- Chris Zeiher, APAC spokesperson for Lonely Planet
The inclusion of Japan in the coveted publication reflects a growing trend in Japan travel, with the country seen as offering much more than just a place to ski or drink sake:
“Japan has been getting more and more popular among Australian people. Not only as a ski destination but also as a leisure travel destination year round…and now the global publication Lonely Planet has also confirmed how wonderful our country is.”
Mariko Tatsumi, Executive Director, JNTO
Hard data collected by the JNTO confirms Japan’s growing popularity, with the latest figures recording the highest number of Aussie travellers to Japan yet. Preliminary figures for January to October 2015 show a staggering 48.2 percent increase from the previous year, with 16.3 million foreign visitors in total, already smashing last year’s 13.4 million visitors record.
JNTO and Lonely Planet
Just earlier this year, Qantas announced they would be flying twice-daily flights between Sydney and Tokyo.
Executive Director Mariko Tatsumi of JNTO recognised the work of travel agents in selling Japan at the event, commenting that the JNTO is thankful for travel agents’ ongoing support who directly inspire more Aussies to travel to her country.
