LOCALS in the small Japanese
village of Hiezu are both angry
at and celebrating the arrival of
a horde of 4,000 Chinese visitors
from Royal Caribbean’s Quantum
of the Seas last week.
The village – which sports a
total population of 3,455 and
normally only caters for tour
groups of around 200 – more
than doubled in size for the day.
While the huge tourist influx
was great for the economy, it
seems the visitors ticked off
the locals by proceeding to buy
everything in sight, including
basic necessities.
Shop owners got more than
they bargained for, putting up
signs in Chinese to welcome the
visitors but were left surprised
when rows of shelves in every
store were wiped clean.
Locals found themselves with
little left available, with items
including eye drops, cosmetics,
rice cookers and vacuum flasks
all leaving with the tourists.
It’s certainly an indication of
the power of Chinese cruise
passengers, although retailers
will need to better prepare.
