NIIGATA (Kyodo) Ski resort operators in Niigata Prefecture are faring relatively well in their attempt to attract foreign visitors despite the strong yen and slowdown in the global economy.
Naeba Ski Resort in the town of Yuzawa, which attracts about 1.3 million visitors annually, has seen the number of foreign visitors this season rise to about 2,800 as of Jan. 4, up more than 1,000 from a year ago.
Although the number of South Koreans has dropped due to the depreciation of the won and the number of Russians stands at about 900, the same level as last year, visitors from Taiwan jumped to about 1,200 from about 60.