If you’re still undecided about where to holiday next year, Japan wants to be top of every LGBTI’s list.
The main reason, according to a report in The Japan Times, is that LGBTI tourists spend a lot more money. We also tend to share our holiday experiences more on social media.
LGBTIs love to splash out while on our holidays
In fact tourism-related businesses all over the world are ‘scrambling’ to attract LGBT travellers, who have ‘considerable purchasing and spending power,’ said Shintaro Koizumi, chief executive of Out Japan, a Tokyo-based marketing firm.
Out Japan conducts seminars to support corporate clients who want to learn about the demands of the LGBT traveller.
The paper reported that data shows that LGBT tourists spend about twice as much as average travellers. And this means hotels and other accommodation facilities in Japan are stepping up their efforts to appeal to them.
Japan has set a target of attracting 40 million foreign tourists in 2020. This is up from 28.6m in 2017, estimating total spending of ¥8 trillion ($72bn) during their stays, up from ¥4.42 trillion ($40bn).
When American tourists visit Japan for 10 days, an average travel agency arranges tours that cost them $3,500 to $4,000 each, excluding airfare, the paper reported, citing industry officials. In contrast, trips made by a travel agency catering to LGBT clients generally cost more than $7,000.
‘A same-sex couple is a double-income one and has more money to spend,’ said Koizumi.
LGBT tourists also tend to post messages on social media and have a high chance of revisiting places they like, Koizumi said.
Top hotels in Tokyo are learning how to please LGBTI tourists
Hotels like the Keio Plaza in Tokyo, are stepping up their efforts to be LGBT tourism-friendly, the paper reported.
In January, the luxury four-star hotel held a seminar on LGBT tourism for 150 managerial staff and other workers. When a participant questioned how to respond when asked directions to the lavatory, the lecturer recommended the use of universal restrooms.
‘We want to offer services by learning what is comfortable for each customer,’ said Junko Saito, Keio Plaza’s deputy marketing director. The acceptance of LGBT tourism is part of the hotel’s business philosophy, Saito added.
The number of local governments and accommodation facilities friendly to LGBT tourism is expected to increase, the paper noted.
‘I hope (the industry) will recognize the presence of LGBT people and consider how best to serve them,’ Koizumi said.
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