Japan retains position as 3rd largest Travel and Tourism economy in the world says new WTTC research

In 2018, Travel & Tourism contributed a total of JPY40,604.2 billion to the country's economy. This is the equivalent of US$367.7 billion which made Japan the third largest Travel & Tourism economy in the world placing above Germany where tourism contributed a total of US$344.8BN.

For over 25 years, WTTC, which represents the global private sector of Travel & Tourism, has compared the Travel & Tourism sector across 185 countries. The 2018 research shows that Travel & Tourism in Japan:

Grew at an annual rate of 3.6% to contribute JPY40,604.2 billion to the country's economy. This represents 7.4% of all economic activity in Japan
Supported 4.6 million jobs, or 6.9% of total employment
Was primarily driven by leisure travellers: 68% of the Travel & Tourism spending was generated by leisure visitors and 32% from business travellers (well above the global average of 21.5%)
Was driven strongly by spending from domestic travellers: 82% of the tourism spend came from domestic travel and 18% from international travellers.

Commenting on the numbers, Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO said: ""In 2018, Japan retained its position as the third-largest Travel & Tourism in the world which reflects Japan's pursuit of an ambitious tourism growth strategy. The plan to double international visitors to 40 million by 2020 and to 60 million visitors by 2030 shows a great understanding of the role of Travel & Tourism as a driver of economic growth and job creation. With the Rugby World Cup happening later this year and the Olympics in 2020, Japan is set to host two events which should have strong impact on its Travel & Tourism sector."