Tourists are gradually returning to domestic tourist spots. It is essential to find ways to revive the tourism industry while thoroughly implementing measures against infection with the new coronavirus.
The central government now allows travel between prefectures. As a result of a prolonged period of refraining from travel, ryokan Japanese-style inns, hotels, souvenir shops, leisure facilities and bus companies have been struggling.
In many regions, tourism supports local economies. From the viewpoint of revitalizing local areas, reconstruction of the industry is an urgent task.
Infections with the new coronavirus continue to spread overseas. It may take some time for foreign visitors to return to Japan.
Even last year, when the number of foreign visitors to Japan was increasing, nearly 80% of spending on tourism was by Japanese. What should be done first is to stimulate demand for domestic travel.
It is important to consider the safety of tourists and people working in the tourism industry.
Industry groups of accommodation facilities have drawn up guidelines for how to prevent infections.
The guidelines call for disinfection and ventilation, and suggest limiting admission to large public baths and introducing a system that allows guests to easily check in with their smartphones. At buffet-style restaurants, it is recommended that staff serves dishes on small plates.
In some areas, local tourist associations have tried to certify safe shops and inns. The industry and local communities should work together to reduce anxiety.
Measures to attract customers are constrained because the tourism industry has to avoid creating an environment where people are close to each other. It is important to improve management by increasing profits through enhancing service quality and streamlining operations, among others.
To ensure the safety of travelers, their cooperation is also essential. It is important for them to gather information in advance to avoid crowds, refrain from chatting while traveling, and check their physical condition. The risk is lower if they mainly stay in one place rather than visiting several destinations. It is desirable for travelers to enjoy their trip by devising appropriate ways to travel.
The government plans to launch the Go To Campaign project as soon as early August to help boost tourism by subsidizing half of travel costs.
The project has been criticized for its high outsourcing costs and its tendering procedures. It should lead to support for the industry, on condition that it is transparent.
During certain times of year, popular spots are feared to be more crowded than others. Companies should take flexible measures to make it easier for their employees to take holidays on weekdays.
In many local areas, promising tourism resources such as nature, culture and food have not been fully utilized. Local governments and residents should take the coronavirus outbreak as an opportunity to reexamine the attractiveness of their communities. The central government should help them. This will lead to the decentralization of tourism after demand recovers.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on June 26, 2020.
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