A new report challenges the perception that Chinese tourists are responsible for Kyoto’s overtourism crisis. According to the Kyoto City Tourism Association, many local residents believe mainland Chinese tour groups are causing crowded public transport, congestion at popular sights, and rising hotel prices. However, data shows a sharp decline in Chinese overnight stays in Kyoto over the past couple of years.
The report attributes the drop in Chinese visitors to Beijing’s pressure on citizens to holiday elsewhere amid worsening bilateral ties. Analysts say near-daily media coverage about Chinese activities, such as maritime research and missile tests, has amplified residents’ assumptions and contributed to hostility.
Takuya Horie, director of planning and marketing for the tourism association, noted several reasons for the misconception. The findings highlight how geopolitical tensions can distort public perception and fuel unfair targeting of specific nationalities.
Article and image source: scmp.com
