BANGKOK, 14 May 2014 – Prices of package tours to Japan have hit the lowest point in recent history, with a starting price of 20,000 baht now flooding the market, President of the Thai-Japan Tourist Association Anaek Srijivachart said.
Mr. Anek attributed the drop in tour package prices to the nation’s visa waiving policy, pointing out the measure has encouraged low cost airlines to increase trip frequency to the nation. However, the competition among airlines is rather keen as the number of travelers is relatively small, causing such airways as Jet Asia, Asia Atlantic, and Asia X, to discount their high cost operations to attract passengers.
The Association President said that for those who have an interest in visiting Japan, now is the time to fulfill the aim, sharing his opinion that after May the prices of the tour packages would adjust upwards, should low cost airlines modify the route.
Previously the price of a package tour to Japan was around 40,000 – 100,000 baht. However, Mr. Anek said, the cost has significantly dropped after Japan issued its VISA waiving policy last July, widely attracting Thai tourists to the nation.
Mr. Anek said the number of Thai travelers visiting Japan last year was at 453,642, a 74% increase from that of the year earlier, adding that the figure continued to rise by 64% in the first quarter of 2014. The President speculated that this year more than 500,000 Thais would travel to Japan, which is a dream destination offering tourist attractions that can be visited all year round.
