Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner says all about Japan next steps to strengthen tourism

TOKYO- In June 2013, the brainchild of the Japan Tourism Agency, the “Action Program toward the Realization of Japan as a Tourism-Oriented Country”, was finally adopted by the Ministerial Council on the Promotion of Japan. The content of the program is now incorporated into Japan’s general growth strategy.

“This year marks the start of our even higher goal of attracting 20 million foreign tourists and the execution of the Action Program will be accelerated. Following on from ASEAN member countries, whose citizens are increasingly visiting Japan, we will also roll out focused and strategic promotions in potential markets such as Europe that are anticipated to send more visitors to Japan in the future”, explained last January Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Shigeto Kubo.

Following liberalized visa conditions for citizens from Southeast Asia, Japan now wants to enhance the conditions to welcome foreign travellers. Although efforts have been already done to increase the quality of multi-lingual speakers and signage, there is still a lot to do and that remains one of the principal complaints of travellers. “We will improve and strengthen multilingual guidance, including by issuing common guidelines to offer a better welcome to foreigners for facilities such as art galleries, museums, nature reserves, tourism spots as well as roads and public transport systems. According to Mr. Kubo, the government will implement new measures such as expediting and streamlining immigration procedures at airports and ports, improving the convenience of public transport in response to the increasing number of people travelling alone, setting up a calendar for free public wireless LAN, as well as enhancing facilities for Muslim travellers.

Shopping fans have not been forgotten: while Japan will raise its consumption tax from April from 5% to 8%, the government will make some popular items such as cosmetics or confectionary duty-free starting from October. New duty free shops will also be opened at regional destinations. Most important, measures will be taken to make ATM machines compatible for credit and debit cards issued overseas. More shops will also be equipped with international credit cards reading machines.

“Following on from the relaxation of visa requirements for ASEAN member countries last year, the JTA will also explore the advantages and disadvantages of relaxing visa requirements for other countries in the future”, added also Mr. Kubo.

The target 20 million foreign tourists might be achieved as Tokyo will host that year Summer Games. “With Tokyo being selected as a host to the 2020 Olympic and Paralympics Games, the JTA will begin preparing the tourism industry to that event. The hosting of the Games will provide a powerful tailwind for boosting the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan. I believe it will be important to spread the benefits of holding the Games to regional areas as well, not just Tokyo. We will consequently work on contributing to generate cultural programs relating to the Games, and connecting these to the promotion of regional tourism”, said JTA Commissioner.

The JTA will also promote the creation of tourism areas by providing support for establishing brands that are unique to Japanese regions as well as supporting community tourism. Finally, the JTA will continue to work on restoring tourism in Tohoku following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Up to now, the agency has provided support in areas especially to disseminate information about the recovery of the affected regions. However, 2014 will mark three years since the disaster and JTA will move to a more pro-active tourism policy and promotion in coordination with local governments and the private sector.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews