Many travelers associate tourist information centers with maps and help finding a nearby public bathroom. But Tammy Mermelstein counts her visits to tourist info booths as some of the highlights of her recent holiday in Japan. The Houston-based mom of two spent more than a year planning her family’s three-week trip to Japan. Though she came back with some special souvenirs — like scraps from a kimono found in a flea market and turned into wall art — she loves showing off the book of stamps she collected from traveler information centers and other tourist attractions around the country. In some parts of Europe, the tourist information booth is becoming a thing of the past. Paris said adieu to its last remaining tourist information center, next to the Eiffel Tower, in January. Scotland has announced that all of its will shut by the end of 2025. Tourism officials in both destinations cited social media and widespread access to smartphones as a reason for shutting down physical offices. Both tourism bodies have switched to a “digital first” model, shifting their focus to Instagram and TikTok as well as setting up dedicated WhatsApp channels for travelers who have specific questions. But while some industry insiders are already writing obituaries for in-person tourist support centers, destinations around Asia are actually increasing the number of traveler help desks. Xiang Li, director of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, says that Asia’s tourist information centers are thriving because of the different mindsets of travelers in the region. “Asian tourists generally value structured guidance and interpersonal explanations,” he tells CNN Travel. “Many of these travelers are less experienced with international travel and have language barriers, making face-to-face interactions and assistance particularly important to them. “In contrast, European tourists are more accustomed to self-guided experiences, often utilizing a variety of online and offline tools, including apps and printed materials.” South Korea had about 300 tourist information centers in 2015. Now, there are 638. That number includes employees called “Moving Tourist Info Centers,” who stand around on the street in busy neighborhoods like Seoul’s Myeongdong — home to myriad shops for skincare products and Instagrammable cafes — to field questions. These staffers wear bright red shirts and cowboy hats and can speak Chinese, Japanese or English. “Visitor centers in Asia prioritize interaction and service as their most important aspects, aiming to meet the needs of tourists within a collectivist culture,” says Xiang. “In contrast, European visitor centers focus on information and education as their primary functions, catering to tourists in a context that emphasizes individual attention.” And South Korea isn’t the only Asian country where tourist information centers are booming. Japan opened 250 more between 2018 and 2024, citing overtourism as well as the need to address travelers in more languages. The government recently stated a goal of reaching 60 million tourists per year by 2030. Beyond translation and basic questions about how to find the closest public bathroom, Japan’s tourist support centers are also attractions in their own right. Each center in Japan has its own unique stamp, called an eki sutanpu in Japanese. Travelers who collect the stamps in their tourist passports will go out of their way to stop by an information booth, even if they don’t need help finding anything. These stamps are free souvenirs that pay homage to Japan’s culture of art, with travel Youtubers and Tiktokers even comparing notes on which ones are the prettiest or hardest to find. In addition to tourist information booths, these stamps are also available at major tourist attractions like temples and lookout points, plus each JR Railway train station. This collecting craze is called “stamp rallying” in English. Thai entrepreneur Patrick Pakanan says he initially founded the StampQuest app for his wife, a longtime rally-er. Pakanan spent part of his childhood in Japan and speaks the language fluently, but he never misses a chance to stop into a tourist information center. “It’s good to start to have a conversation with the local people, too, like what to eat, what is famous here, maybe visit a store that they recommend,” he says. “They’ve lived here all their lives, and they really want to help you understand their community.” Mermelstein, the Houston mom, agrees. Although she visited tourist info booths to get her stamps and ask for advice, her family ended up spending as much time in them as they would a museum. In one, she says, a staffer showed her daughters how to write their names in Japanese; in another, a woman brought out kimonos for her girls to wear and took photos of them. Some centers have dedicated play areas for younger kids. Even though Pakanan doesn’t collect stamps himself, he heads straight to a tourist information office whenever he visits a new region of Japan. “Wherever you go scuba diving, you have to have a dive master, right? Well, this is the local dive master.”
Why tourist information centers are some of Asia’s top tourist attractions
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Tourist Information Centers Emerge as Cultural Attractions in Asia"
CNN
8.3
TruthLens AI Summary
Tourist information centers, often seen merely as places to obtain maps or restroom directions, have emerged as significant attractions in Asia, particularly in countries like Japan and South Korea. For travelers such as Tammy Mermelstein, who meticulously planned her family's three-week trip to Japan, visiting these centers became memorable experiences. She not only collected unique stamps from various tourist information centers but also engaged in meaningful interactions with staff who provided cultural insights and assistance. This trend contrasts sharply with Europe, where cities like Paris and regions in Scotland are closing down their tourist information centers in favor of digital solutions, citing the prevalence of smartphones and social media as primary reasons for this shift. In Asia, however, the demand for in-person support remains strong, driven by a different travel culture that favors structured guidance and personal interactions, especially among less experienced travelers who may face language barriers.
The growth of tourist information centers in Asia is evidenced by the increase in numbers, such as South Korea's rise from 300 centers in 2015 to 638 today. These centers prioritize customer service and engagement, with staff often stationed in busy areas to assist tourists. Japan, responding to overtourism and aiming to attract 60 million visitors annually by 2030, has opened 250 additional centers since 2018. Unique aspects of these centers include the collection of stamps, known as eki sutanpu, which have become a hobby for many travelers, encouraging them to visit even without specific queries. This phenomenon, dubbed 'stamp rallying', not only highlights Japan's artistic culture but also fosters a sense of community, as staff often share local recommendations and cultural experiences with visitors. As travelers like Mermelstein discover, these centers can provide enriching experiences comparable to museums, reinforcing the value of personal interaction in an increasingly digital world.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the growing significance of tourist information centers in Asia, contrasting them with the declining trend seen in parts of Europe. This narrative implies a positive perception of in-person tourist support in Asia while suggesting that European destinations may be losing an essential part of their tourist infrastructure.
Cultural Perceptions of Travel
The article illustrates how cultural differences shape travel experiences. Asian tourists tend to prefer structured guidance and face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for those facing language barriers or less experience with international travel. This assertion elevates the importance of tourist information centers as not merely functional spaces but as essential cultural hubs that enhance the travel experience for many visitors.
Technological Disruption
In Europe, the shift towards digital platforms for tourist information is noted, with the article suggesting that social media and smartphone access render physical tourist centers obsolete. This transition is framed in a negative light for European travelers, as it may lead to a less personalized experience. The contrast with Asia, where such centers are thriving, creates a narrative that emphasizes the value of traditional forms of assistance.
Potential Omissions
While the article provides a positive view of Asian tourist information centers, it does not delve into potential downsides, such as the cost of maintaining these centers or the challenges they might face in a rapidly digitalizing world. There's a suggestion that the focus on in-person assistance could overlook the benefits of efficient digital solutions, which are becoming increasingly popular.
Implications for Communities and Economies
The emphasis on tourist information centers in Asia could suggest a broader strategy to enhance local economies through tourism. By promoting these centers, destinations may attract more visitors who appreciate personalized guidance, potentially stimulating economic activity. However, this could also create a reliance on traditional methods in contrast to the fast-paced technological advancements in the global travel industry.
Support from Specific Demographics
The article seems to appeal to families and less experienced travelers who might benefit from in-person support. The narrative likely resonates with communities that value tradition and interpersonal connections, which may include older generations or those from cultures where face-to-face communication is prioritized.
Impact on Financial Markets
The focus on tourism in Asia, particularly the emphasis on enhancing visitor experiences through information centers, could have implications for companies involved in tourism, hospitality, and travel technology. Stocks related to travel agencies or tourism infrastructure might see a positive impact from this trend, as it reinforces the importance of traditional tourist support systems.
Geopolitical Considerations
While the article primarily focuses on tourism, the implications of maintaining tourist information centers could reflect broader geopolitical trends, such as how countries position themselves in the competitive global tourism market. As Asia continues to attract travelers, this could reinforce its standing in global tourism dynamics.
Use of AI in Writing
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in crafting the article. However, if AI were involved, it might have contributed to the organization of ideas or the framing of comparisons between Asia and Europe. The narrative structure and choice of comparisons may suggest a level of editorial influence typical of AI-generated content, focusing on highlighting contrasts effectively.
The article presents a generally positive view of tourist information centers in Asia while hinting at the decline of similar institutions in Europe. It aligns with current trends favoring personal interaction in travel, reflecting cultural preferences and potential economic strategies. Overall, the reliability of the article seems high, given its clear presentation of facts and cultural observations.