A Comparative Study of Arab Tourists' Perception and Realization of Japan Image as A Tourist Destination

• Project/Area Number: 25K21474
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 80020:Tourism studies-related
• Research Institution: Wakayama University
• Principal Investigator: Elbarbary Mohamed 和歌山大学, 国際観光学研究センター, 講師 (90963851)
• Project Period (FY): 2025-04-01 – 2028-03-31
• Project Status: Granted (Fiscal Year 2025)
• Budget Amount: ¥3,900,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥900,000); Fiscal Year 2027: ¥520,000 (Direct Cost: ¥400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥120,000); Fiscal Year 2026: ¥1,560,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥360,000); Fiscal Year 2025: ¥1,820,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥420,000)
• Keywords: 訪問者 / ビジター以外 / 目的地イメージ / 心理的距離 / アラブ人

Outline of Research at the Start

This study aims to identify and address the gap in Japan's image among potential (non-visitors) and actual Arab visitors. It employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, to investigate how psychological distance affects the image of Japan among both Arab visitors and non-visitors, as well as its impact on the Arabs' attitudes and intentions to visit or revisit Japan. This research presents an opportunity for a deeper understanding of Arab tourists' aspirations of visiting Japan, strengthening cultural ties, and boosting tourism between the two regions.