Japan's tourism growth faces severe staffing shortages

Japan's tourism is experiencing rapid growth, but a significant staff shortage could hinder its goals. By 2030, the country aims to welcome 60 million tourists. However, travel experts warn that the industry may need to hire foreign workers to meet this target. Masaru Takayama, president of Spirit of Japan Travel, highlighted the issue. He noted that the tourism sector is already facing a lack of workers. A recent report from the Asia Pacific Institute of Research revealed a potential staffing gap of around 536,000 employees by 2030. During the pandemic, many travel workers lost their jobs and moved to other sectors. As tourism rebounds, these workers have found new careers, resulting in a loss of skills and experience in the industry. The shortage is especially concerning in rural areas of Japan, where the need for staff is more pronounced.