TOKYO - 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.