Japan jet fuel shortage costs Hokkaido foreign tourist dollars

Lack of airport workers also prevents island from welcoming more international visitors

International tourists gather outside in the Hokkaido city of Otaru in September. (Photo by Kotose Hamano)

KOTOSE HAMANO, Nikkei staff writer

October 29, 2024 05:12 JST

SAPPORO, Japan -- The northern Japanese island of Hokkaido is losing out on international tourism spending due to fuel and staff shortages, with some in the industry calling on local and national officials for support.

Overnight stays -- the number of guests multiplied by how many nights they stayed -- by foreign visitors to Hokkaido totaled 940,000 in July, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.