Slow return of Chinese tourists stalls Japan's hotel recovery

Occupancy rate drops below 70% for the first time in four months

The Karuizawa Prince Hotel West. Japan's hospitality industry is recovering but needs more Chinese tourists. (Photo courtesy of Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide)

SHOKO HIRUTA, Nikkei staff writer

March 3, 2023 03:00 JST

TOKYO -- The Japanese hospitality industry's recovery from COVID-19 has reached a standstill, despite government travel incentives and an increase in foreign tourists, as travelers from China return slowly.