(Photo: secretnyc.com)
Japan is considering financially helping tourists
Due to the huge percentage drop in foreign visitors, the Japanese government has proposed a plan to pay for half of a tourist’s travel costs should travel to the country be possible again.
Currently, it is just a proposal, and officials are meeting to try and find ways to reinvigorate Japan’s tourism industry. If the1.3 trillion-yen plan were to get the green light, the government could start to take action as early as July, according to local news.
However, it is all dependent on whether coronavirus-related travel restrictions have eased or been lifted.
This news came after the country recorded its lowest percentage of tourists in decades. Compared to last April’s near three million visitors, this April only says a little under 3,000 visitors. It is usually during this time that tourism in Japan increases, mostly because people want to see the country’s famous cherry blossoms.
In an effort to flatten the curve, Japan initially banned entry to citizens of 70 countries. The measure was later extended to cover visitors from approximately 100 nations. Tokyo declared a state of emergency alongside four other prefectures, and the Summer 2020 Olympics have been postponed.
But some good news has been reported recently: it was reported on Sunday that the Japanese government is seeking to end the state of emergency for Tokyo and other remaining areas. Social distancing restrictions were also lifted for most of the country on May 14 as the number of new cases decreased.
As things slowly start to open back up and countries steadily begin to heal, travel may be possible in the near future.
By: Maytinee Kramer
