TOKYO, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The number of overnight stays at hotels and inns across Japan reached an estimated 48.33 million in February, surpassing the same month last year by 1 percent and setting a new record for the month, industry data showed Monday.

The growth came as strong inbound tourism drove up demand for accommodations, according to data from the Japan Tourism Agency.

Last month, foreign visitor overnight stays totaled 13.3 million, a 15.5-percent increase from the previous year, marking an all-time high.

Meanwhile, Japanese domestic overnight stays declined 3.6 percent to 35.03 million.

In response to concerns over over-tourism, which affects local communities, the Japanese government is strengthening efforts to encourage foreign tourists to visit regional areas.

The Japan Tourism Agency noted that accommodation expenses make up a significant portion of total travel spending, boosting local economies, and highlighted the strong performance of foreign overnight stays in regional areas. Enditem

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