Japan bookings surge following reopening date, Club Med reports

Japan bookings surge following reopening date, Club Med reports

The latest booking data from Club Med and All Nippon Airways (ANA), suggests Aussies are keen to return to the land of the rising sun, with a surge in bookings reported for Japan.

Since last Friday’s announcement by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the removal of all border restrictions on 11 October, Club Med saw a 35 per cent jump in online interest – matching pre-pandemic levels.

Bookings also skyrocketed by 275 per cent compared to 2019, with January 2023 the most in-demand time to travel to Japan, coinciding with peak ski season and school holidays. The states with the highest booking percentage for the land of the rising sun, are New South Wales (43 per cent) and Victoria (30 per cent).

Michelle Davies, general manager for Club Med Pacific said that during the pandemic the brand used the time to sign the development of its third ski resort, Club Med Kiroro.

“We know the demand from our Australian and New Zealand markets continued to climb before the pandemic hit and increasing our footprint within the Japan ski territory was fundamental for our continued goal to be the leading worldwide ski tour operator, now showcasing 22 ski resorts across 6 countries,” Davies said.

“With borders opening this October, we’re incredibly excited to welcome guests to our brandnew Club Med Kiroro. Made up of two distinct buildings to create one unique ski resort, Club Med Kiroro Peak is opening this December, and Kiroro Grand in early 2023.

“Japan has long been the destination of choice for a unique ski holiday by Australians and this is probably the most desirable time to book a holiday to Japan, ever.

“Australians will be able to stretch their dollar further due to the weakening Yen and the fantastic deals currently on offer to entice travellers back.”

Brett Walsh, All Nippon Airways country manager Australia, said the airline has seen immediate and significant growth in bookings for the upcoming ski season since Friday’s announcement.

“ANA Australia is extremely pleased to hear of the Japanese Government’s relaxing of the border restrictions from 11th October into Japan,” Walsh said.

“This comes just in time for Christmas and the ever-popular Japanese ski season, with the announcement already showing a surge in bookings, where we are seeing approximately 3 times growth since this positive news.

“ANA is currently offering a daily flight, departing Sydney at 9.35 pm every evening and arriving in Tokyo (Haneda Airport) at 5.10 am the following morning, with direct connections to Hokkaido.”


Featured Image: Club Med Kiroro (Supplied)

Latest News

  • Hotels

Hotel d’Inghilterra completes its extensive restyling

Hotel d’Inghilterra, the historic and unique accommodation landmark in Rome, has completed its rebirth with the iconic property enhancing its charm event further. Located just a few steps from the iconic Spanish Steps and the Via Condotti, the hotel’s innate elegance has been home of international patrons and Roman nobility since the mid 16th century. […]

  • Cruise

Oceania Cruises unveils its new brand value promise to all guests

Culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, Oceania Cruises, has unveiled its ‘Your World Included’  featuring an updated selection of always included amenities. The new offer cements the brand’s promise of ‘Your World, Your Way’ branding and as part of it, all guests will receive included shipboard gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining waitstaff automatically in […]

  • Destinations

Adventure World unveils new Canada MAKE TRAVEL MATTER campaign

Adventure World has unveiled a new Canada campaign going beyond breathtaking landscapes and iconic sights and inviting Aussie travellers to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER by giving back to the destinations they explore. Through the innovative MAKE TRAVEL MATTER program, starting this month, travellers can add meaningful experiences to their Canadian adventures. Imagine participating in a wildlife […]

  • News
  • Tourism

Intrepid Adventures launches new travel show on Channel 10

Intrepid Travel has launched a new six-part travel series, Intrepid Adventures, premiering on Channel 10 this Sunday, 8 September. In partnership with creative production house, Sloane Media and the Moroccan National Tourist Office, the program shifts the spotlight from traditional tourist sights to the local guides and communities that bring each destination to life. The […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Luxury Travel Collection reveals ‘Leaders who Lunch’ series

The Luxury Travel Collection (LTC) launched ‘Leaders Who Lunch’ (LWL) with its first event today, bringing together an intimate group of luxury advisors with global luxury partner, Silversea. This new series of intimate, invitation-only lunches will connect influential global senior leaders from LTC’s luxury partner network, with a hand-selected group of members to nurture elevated […]

  • Cruise
  • Travel Agents

MSC Cruises hosts ’Deep Dive on Japan’ webinar

MSC Cruises has announced an exclusive webinar tailored for travel partners that offers an in-depth look at their Japan 2025 itineraries and more. The 20-minute webinar, followed by a 5-minute interactive Q&A session, is designed to provide travel partners with comprehensive insights into the popular destination of the Far-East and top selling itineraries. Japan and […]

  • News

World-first education initiative introduces “Guardian of the Reef” platform

Tourism Tropical North Queensland has partnered with Expedia in the US, UK and Australia to introduce the “Guardian of the Reef”, a world-first platform. Conservation curious travellers can visit the newly launched website and work through a series of short educational videos, each with a coupon reward system to use with Expedia bookings on the […]

  • Cruise

Explora Journeys announces godmother for EXPLORA II

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced that environmentalist Rosalba Giugni as the godmother of their newest ship, the EXPLORA II. The ship’s official naming ceremony will be on 15 September 2024 in Civitavecchia, Italy and marks the latest addition to the Explora Journey’s fleet. It reflects the […]

  • Aviation

Malaysia Airlines launches direct flight to Paris

Malaysia Airlines has announced direct flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, marking a key milestone in the airline’s European expansion. This route, which will commence on 22 March 2025, represents Malaysia Airlines’ 68th destination, reinforcing its position as the gateway to Asia and beyond. In celebration of the route’s return after nearly […]

  • Hotels

Oasia Resort Sentosa unveils new room category and junior suites

The Oasia Resort Sentosa has unveiled its latest Courtyard Premier rooms and refreshed Junior Suites as well as a staycation offer for pet owners and their furry friends. Located on level two in the Palawan Wing, the 19 Courtyard Premier rooms each span 63sqm with a spacious alfresco area with bean bags and a dining […]

  • Hotels

Park Regis by Prince Singapore debuts under a new brand name following extensive refurbishments

The debut of the Park Regis by Prince Singapore marks the global expansion of Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts since launching its new global brand identity in April. Following this rebranding of the property and extensive refurbishment, Park Regis by Prince Singapore is an urban oasis that effortlessly encapsulates the essence of its unique bi-culture […]