Despite the Lunar New Year, a critical time for Japan's tourism and hospitality industries, hotels across the nation are reportedly nearly deserted. The 'devastating' situation, as described by industry insiders, is largely blamed on ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19, deterrent travel restrictions, and social distancing measures. The effects are profound, leading many to worry about the future of Japan's hospitality industry.

In Japan, the Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a peak tourism period. The emptiness of hotels at this time reflects the serious economic impact of the pandemic, a concern shared widely amongst the Japanese public. The hospitality industry strongly contributes to Japan's economy, and the situation is seen as indicative of broader financial challenges.

The United States and European nations are also grappling with stark drops in tourism and hotel occupancy rates due to travel advisories, lockdown measures, and a general fear of travel amidst the pandemic. As a response, many are seeking government aid packages, shifting towards local tourism, or pivoting to new business models.