TOKYO — The Japanese hospitality industry’s recovery from COVID-19 has reached a standstill, despite government travel incentives and an increase in foreign tourists, as travelers from China return slowly.
Japan’s average occupancy rate for hotel rooms fell 10 points on the month to 64.2% for January, according to U.S. research firm STR, falling below 70% for the first time since September.
Japanese border controls for travelers from China were eased Wednesday, ending a requirement that all visitors be tested for COVID-19. But it will likely take some time before tourists from mainland China return, according to a Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide representative.
