Tourists Avoid Kyushu After Earthquake: 65,500 Cancellations in 4 Days, 40% Drop in Visitors

The recent powerful earthquake in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has caused significant damage to both human lives and infrastructure, but it has also dealt a severe blow to the region's tourism industry. According to the latest statistics from the Kumamoto Prefectural Government, within just four days after the earthquake, there were 65,500 cancellations of accommodation bookings, with estimated economic losses reaching 900 million yen (approximately NT$1.8 billion). August, which should have been the peak of the summer vacation season, has suddenly turned into a slump for the tourism industry.

The Kumamoto earthquake has had a devastating impact on the entire Kyushu region's tourism industry. According to a report by Japan Television, the popular tourist facility 'Aso Farm' in Minamiaso Village was hit first, receiving 330 cancellation notices within four days after the earthquake. After entering August, the number of cancellations surged to 2,800, with accommodation losses alone reaching 600 million yen (approximately NT$1.2 billion).

The hot spring resort 'Kurokawa Onsen' was also not spared, with 150 cancellations of reservations from July to September within just a few days. Local inn operators admitted that while they understand that tourists are hesitant to visit due to the disaster, most inns have chosen not to charge cancellation fees, and they are feeling very distressed and helpless as the most profitable August season is slipping away.

The shockwaves have also severely damaged the tourism markets of other prefectures in Kyushu. The famous summer resort 'Takachiho Gorge' in Miyazaki Prefecture experienced rockfalls after the earthquake, and relevant authorities immediately evacuated crowds and implemented area restrictions. The small boat experience, which was usually booked up within 10 minutes in the past, has now seen a sharp decline in visitors, and operators have even started selling same-day tickets for the first time.

Additionally, the 'Takayama Onsen' in Miyazaki, whose main customers are school clubs and group tourists, has seen many cancellations due to transportation disruptions and safety concerns; the natural sand bath operators in Kagoshima's famous 'Ibusuki Onsen' have also stated that the number of daily visitors has dropped by 30-40% compared to the same period last year, with some hotels' cancellation wave even extending to the end of December, indicating that the impact may continue for several months.

Behind the stagnation of the tourism industry is the disruption of transportation. The Kyushu Shinkansen line connecting Fukuoka and Kagoshima is still suspended between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata stations; and the north-south through highway in the Yatsushiro area is still closed. The disruption of transportation has significantly reduced the convenience of traveling from Fukuoka, Saga, and other places to Kagoshima or Miyazaki, not only affecting the willingness of individual tourists to visit but also adding more variables to the recovery of the entire Kyushu tourism industry.

Facing the overwhelming wave of cancellations and economic losses, local tourism operators and related personnel emotionally stated that the public does not need to rush to visit during the post-disaster recovery period. In the future, when the situation stabilizes, people can arrange Kyushu trips and purchase local agricultural products to provide substantial assistance. 'We hope everyone keeps the thought of supporting Kumamoto in their hearts and comes to visit when the time is right. This will be the greatest encouragement for local recovery.'