In light of the recent earthquake in Japan, travel operators continue to monitor the situation with diligence. The earthquake, which tragically claimed 77 lives, primarily affected the Noto peninsula. Despite its severity, travel impact remains minimal due to Japan’s preparedness. Key operators report little disruption, attributing safety to Japan’s protocols. Tours proceed with caution, reassuring travellers of their safety.
The powerful earthquake that struck the Noto peninsula in central Japan on New Year’s Day has raised concerns among travellers and operators alike. With at least 77 confirmed deaths, the human toll has been tragic. However, travel operators remain optimistic, expecting minimal disruption to tours within the country.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel alert, cautioning individuals about possible aftershocks and disruptions to transport infrastructure. Despite these warnings, the outlook from travel operators is positive. For instance, InsideJapan, which had over 300 customers in the country, including 15 in the affected region, reported that no significant travel disruptions are anticipated. Their team in Japan has ensured all clients are safe, well, and able to continue their travels.
Further supporting this optimistic outlook, Wendy Wu Tours has confirmed that its operations remain unaffected, as their tours do not include the impacted region. They commended Japan’s excellent earthquake preparedness, noting the country’s stringent safety protocols and advanced early warning systems.
Riviera Travel, which has scheduled its first Japan tour of the year for late February, is committed to ongoing monitoring of the situation and adhering to guidance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Newmarket Holidays echoes this sentiment, with their tours primarily focusing on Tokyo and the southern regions of Japan, which were largely unaffected by the quake.
Chris Crampton, chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association UK chapter, highlighted that the affected area is predominantly rural and doesn’t attract many tourists. He underscored that tours continue to operate normally with an emphasis on customer safety. As such, tourism in Japan persists, with transportation, accommodation, and tourist attractions open for business.
Travel operators remain vigilant, ensuring that tours in Japan proceed safely and with minimal impact from recent seismic events.
