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)
