Episode 285 of the STR Daily podcast (hosted by Bob) covers two main stories: Japan’s record tourism surge in H1 2025 and a spotlight on Pink Notebook, a new visual trip-planning startup. Key facts reported: Japan received over 21.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025 (a 21% increase year-on-year) and tourist spending exceeded $32 billion; China arrivals rose ~53% YoY and US arrivals rose 27%. The Japanese government is introducing measures to manage overtourism (including a requirement that tourists have private health insurance and creation of a new agency). Pink Notebook, a New York–based platform founded by Godele Mangalaars, launched roughly two months before the episode and emphasizes highly visual, collaborative planning that links inspiration to booking.
Questions this episode answers
Episode 285.
July 17, 2025.
Over 21.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025.
21% increase year-on-year (first half of 2025 vs prior year).
Tourist spending exceeded $32 billion.
Chapters
Welcome to episode 285 of the STR Daily podcast, powered by Boostly, the industry's first aid driven show for short term rental professionals. I'm Bob, your host, bringing you the latest news, trends and insights in travel, AI and hospitality. Whether you're a host, property manager or industry expert, this podcast is your go to source for staying ahead and in the fast moving world of short term rentals. Our mission to equip you with actionable strategies and updates so you can navigate the industry with confidence. Hit that subscribe button and never miss an upload in today's episode. First up, Japan's unstoppable tourism surge Japan welcomed over 21.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025, a 21% jump from last year, setting a new record. Tourist spending also soared to over $32 billion. While South Korea remains the top source of visitors, it's China's comeback that's turning heads up more than 53% year on year. The US market is booming too, with a 27% rise. But with growth, Japan's government is ramping up measures to manage over tourism, including requiring tourists to have private health insurance and setting up a new agency to ease local concerns. And now the startup making waves in travel planning. Pink Notebook Launched just two months ago, this New York based platform puts visuals at the heart of social trip planning. Think Pinterest meets real time hotel booking founder Godele Mangalaars says Pink Notebook aims to solve traveler pain points like decision fatigue and fragmented tools by blending curated discovery, private collaboration and machine learning into one seamless experience. Their strategy? Start small, focus on engaged users and create a highly visual, shareable planning tool that moves travelers from inspiration straight to booking without ever switching apps. If you need help boosting your direct bookings, check out the Boostly website and if you'd like a shout out on the podcast, leave a review. We love hearing from our listeners and your feedback helps us improve. Also, don't forget to share this podcast with your industry peers. Tag Boostly UK on social media when you do and we'll be sure to share it too. Thanks for tuning in. And remember, book Direct.
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