WATCH: Mark Murphy on Japan's Thriving Tourism Industry

Japan's tourism industry is flourishing. 

Propelled by a surge in Chinese visitors, the Asian destination hosted a record 7.2 million tourists during the second quarter of 2017 and plans to welcome 40 million visitors by 2020.

In an appearance on CGTV last month, travAlliancemedia President and CEO Mark Murphy discussed the factors driving Japan's tourism boom, as well as the unique traits that make it such a coveted destination for so many. 

"The food and culture are fascinating," said Murphy. "It's a pretty diverse place in terms of the things you can see and do."

The country's variety is complemented by what Murphy calls "superb" infrastructure.

New attractions are on the horizon as well. Tokyo's famous Tsukiji Fish Market is expected to be relocated and replaced with a food theme park as the city gears up to host the 2020 Summer Olympics.

"As a tourist, you're actually getting in the way of folks doing their business but it's such a huge place and there's so much interest in it, that they can't keep the tourists out. It's become a magnet for them," said Murphy in regards to the sprawling market.

"It was on my bucket list when I went to Tokyo."

READ MORE: Top 5 To Dos in Japan

While Murphy points out that an influx of Chinese visitors is providing Japan with a significant boost, he believes it and other Asian destinations are likely to turn their attention to travelers in other parts of the world.

"By bringing in some of those folks who are going to travel and stay for longer periods, you're going to increase the economic impact and I think you're going to see a shift for a lot of the Asian countries in terms of trying to bring in that long-haul traveler," added Murphy.

You can view Murphy's appearance on CGTV in its entirety below:

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