Tourists come to visit Osaka Castle in Japan. (Source: Shutterstock)

In the context of the widespread Covid-19 epidemic, sales of Japan's "smokeless" industry were hit hard when the country of Cherry blossoms saw a serious drop in tourist arrivals in April. , down 99.9% over the same period in 2019.
Preferably using "domestic goods"

The statistics show that, for the first time since 1964, Japan has a monthly number of visitors less than 10,000. In 2011, the country's tourism industry encountered a similar situation after the earthquake, tsunami and Japanese tsunami Fukushima, with 7.1 million visitors, down 2.31 million from the previous year. . However, in 2018, just 7 years after the aforementioned double disaster, the number of visitors to the country of Sunrise had quadrupled, with 31 million visitors.

At a press conference on May 29, the Japanese tourism agency announced plans to allocate US $ 12.5 billion for a new reimbursement program for the tourism industry heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The tourism industry has welcomed the Government's support package to help companies overcome the coronavirus crisis, even if there are concerns about whether the fund will benefit small businesses or people will travel. calendar.

Details of the "Go to Travel" campaign are still being discussed, but the Japanese government "revealed" that allowances of up to 20,000 yen (approximately US $ 190) per day will be provided through reduced payments. Direct prices or coupons for hotels, restaurants, transportation and attractions to encourage people to travel within the country.

In an article on the Twitter page on May 27, the Japan Tourism Authority said that the goal of the campaign is to restart breathing for the national tourism industry, stimulating the demand for domestic travel of people. People and pay a part of domestic tourism expenses. To receive the benefits, tourists must use the services of domestic travel companies or stay at local hotels and Japanese-style inns.

Noriko Takano, president of Fukuoka-based Freya International Tours, is optimistic that Japanese people will start traveling domestically as early as the end of June and that international tourists will return. back to the land of the Rising Sun in August.

"I believe the Government will do everything it can to attract foreign tourists as quickly as possible, although I know that some Japanese object to the opening soon," Noriko said.

While Japan has banned tourists from many countries, local media said Tokyo is turning to open the door for visitors from Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam in the coming months.

The government will allow tourists from the four countries mentioned above to visit Japan if they test negative for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 disease in two separate tests conducted in that country. and in the land of Funeral, the Asahi newspaper reported.
Still "tangled" and unbalanced

Ms. Naomi Mano, President and CEO of Luxurique Tourism Company welcomed the above support of the Government, but she was still ambiguous about the operation and the target audience in this campaign.

“Any measure that opens the door to stimulate people to travel again is a positive step. But I think the funding plan at this time is completely confusing and I'm not sure who they are targeting, ”Director Mano said.

Ms Mano said families with children may not be able to take a vacation this year, because unstable work is weighing on their parents' minds. Young singles are more likely to have similar anxiety, but can still take a vacation near home on weekends. That makes the group of older people the only candidate who is willing to accept a government request, although many will have a certain health concern.

"People over 65 may be willing to travel and use 20,000 yen worth of coupons, but first, the travel industry and visitors need to read clear instructions about 'traveling.' safety schedule 'and health protection during epidemic times, ”Ms. Mano said.

A Japanese travel agency said that tourists need guidance on health regulations to be able to travel safely. (Source: Getty Images)

Data from the Japan Tourism Agency said that in April, around 2,900 foreign visitors visited Japan, a 99.9% decrease from last year - the lowest figure in nearly 6 decades. Earlier, the lowest number of visitors was 17,543, which was recorded in February 1964.

Meanwhile, the head of a domestic travel company expressed concern that the "Go To Travel" campaign fund would be disproportionately allocated to major travel companies, such as JTB Corp - The corporation has long-term cooperation with the Government.

"If that happens, all that money will be less used for classic hotels that have no relationship with JTB or smaller travel companies," the executive said.

And Julia Maeda, co-owner of Okuni Travel, said that 20,000 yen a day would not be a big deal for high-end travelers, and the majority of people who receive the offer would be tourists. older group calendars book tours through well-known tour operators.

“Funds should go to hotels or motels, restaurants or resorts that can offer direct discounts to customers, and then apply for government discounts. It will also help bring tourists to the real countryside that the Government is promoting as an attractive destination, ”Maeda said.

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