Flow of Inbound Tourists to the Central Setouchi Area <Article>

The purpose of this study was to analyze the flow of inbound tourists to the central Setouchi Inland Sea area and identify the features of that flow. We mainly analyzed basic tourism statistics provided by the Prefectural governments in the area and the results of our own field survey. In the central Setouchi area, there are two major groups of inbound tourists―those from Western countries and travelers from other parts of East Asia. The flow of Western tourists shows a broad pattern, largely between the Kanto region and Kyushu. In the central Setouchi area, Western tourists focus on Hiroshima. The duration of stay in Japan by such tourists is relatively long. By contrast, the flow of East Asian tourists is narrower, primarily between the Kansai region and Kyushu. In the central Setouchi area, East Asian tourists visit many places in addition to Hiroshima, although the duration of their stay in Japan is relatively short. In the central Setouchi area, the attractions for overseas visitors are the beauty of its natural landscapes, the historical and cultural heritage, and the traditional cultural experience. The negative factors for travel by inbound tourists relate to linguistic matters, such as signs and maps. It is possible for the central Setouchi area to capitalize on its tourist attractions by improving issues of hospitality, signage and information in foreign languages