(TAN): Japan is planning to attract tourists by paying for a portion of their vacation in the country, in an attempt to revive its tourism industry that has been crushed by COVID-19 lockdown and travel restrictions, reports said.
The initiative, which cover half of tourists’ travel expenses, could be launched in July, if the outbreak is under control, as per reports. So far, the country has reported 16,623 cases of infection, including 846 deaths, data from Johns Hopkins University showed.
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Japan will reportedly allocate an estimated USD 12.5 billion to a new reimbursement programme for funding these expenses, Hiroshi Tabata of Japan Tourism Agency said. The government is expected to provide subsidies worth up to JPY 20,000 (USD 186.26 approximately) per day for going on holidays, reports said.
According to reports, details of the scheme are being discussed. However, the subsidies could reportedly pay half the cost of a tourist’s flight, and are expected to be distributed through a blend of discounts and vouchers to be used at restaurants and shops. The subsidies could reportedly be applicable for bookings made through Japanese travel agencies or directly with hotels.
The Japanese government reportedly took this step in its keenness to kickstart the economy which suffered a massive blow owing to COVID-19. Overseas travel to and from the world’s third-largest economy plunged nearly 99% after entry bans were put in place in the wake of the pandemic – Japan received just 2,900 overseas tourists in April, reports said.
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Earlier this month, Japan raised its travel advisory as part of its measures against COVID-19 to include 11 more countries on its list, as per reports. The updated list reportedly comprises countries such as Argentina, India, South Africa, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, El Salvador, Ghana, Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reportedly advised residents against travelling to these countries.
The entry ban already covers 100 countries, including the United States, China, and all of Europe, according to reports. Japan had reportedly introduced national emergency measures to contain the spread of the pandemic, which was later lifted from most parts of the country.
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