There has been a drop in interest in Japan tours, says Yuen Chun-ning. SING TAO
Cheng Wong
Hongkongers are shifting to long-haul tours in the Middle East and Europe amid concerns over a potential major earthquake in Japan this July, while others are choosing to visit Japan earlier than usual in March or April.
Earthquake and tsunami experts from official agencies in Japan have repeatedly warned about the potential earthquake risks along the Nankai Trough.
They noted that the probability of an 8- to 9-magnitude earthquake in the region over the next 30 years has increased from 74 percent to 81 percent in 2024 and from 75 percent to 82 percent in 2025, with word on the street suggesting a quake might occur on July 5.
Executive director of the travel agency WWPKG Yuen Chun-ning told Sing Tao Daily, a sister publication of The Standard, that inquiries for trips to Japan have declined due to the earthquake rumors.
He said there was a noticeable drop in customers interested in Japan tours after the Lunar New Year, while interest in long-haul tours priced between HK$15,000 and HK$20,000, such as trips to Dubai and Turkey, has increased.
Yuen indicated that adjustments would be made based on market demand. If fewer travelers opt for Japan, they would consider lowering prices or ramping up advertising.
Conversely, if demand for destinations in the Middle East and Europe rises, they would “secure more spots to meet the increase.”
”Not everyone is scared,” he said, noting once media coverage subsides, customers will return to booking trips to Japan.
”After all, Japan remains a top destination for many,” he said.
Carmen Chan, chief operations officer of Goldjoy Travel Ltd, observed that while June to August is usually the off-season for travel to Australia, inquiries for tours Down Under during that period have increased.
However, she said it’s difficult to determine if this is related to the earthquake fears.
Hong Kong Tourism Association executive director Timothy Chui Ting-pong noted that some customers are worried they won’t be able to visit Japan during the July summer vacation, prompting them to travel now instead.However, he dismissed these concerns as mere “predictions” that he could only laugh off.
cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com
AloJapan.com