Advertisement

Japan May Help Cover Some of Your Travel Expenses During Your Next Trip

Photo credit: Chris McGrath - Getty Images
Photo credit: Chris McGrath - Getty Images

From House Beautiful

If you're already planning your first vacation post-pandemic, we have some suggestions. First off, you may want to consider Sicily. Last month, the island's tourism board announced that it would be paying a portion of tourists’ flights and hotel costs in order to help restart the economy. Travelers would be entitled to vouchers granting them 50 percent off on their airfare, as well as one night free for every three spent in an island hotel. Pretty sweet deal if you ask us, but if that's not the type of destination you had in mind (perhaps you're pining to see some cherry blossoms), Japan may also be willing to foot some of your travel bill.

While the plan has not yet been officially unveiled, The Japan Times writes that the Japanese government is planning to boost tourism by subsidizing a portion of travel expenses once the coronavirus outbreak is brought under control. Hiroshi Tabata, chief of the Japan Tourism Agency, revealed during a news conference last week that a ¥1.35 trillion ($12.5 billion) program could start as early as July 2020, assuming novel coronavirus infections subside accordingly. Under this campaign, when a travel product is purchased through a travel agency, a discount coupon worth 50 percent of the product price will be offered, sources told The Japan Times.

This news comes after Japan took a huge hit last month in tourism. Government data estimated that 2,900 foreign travelers visited last month, which is down 99.9 percent from the year before, reports The Japan Times. While it makes sense that Japan would want to lend a hand by helping make travel more affordable for visitors, it is unknown whether this stimulus program will apply to all foreign travelers or exclusively to domestic travelers.

In terms of handling the virus, Japan fared exceptionally well. The Wall Street Journal reports that as of Monday, the nation had 131 COVID-19 cases and six deaths for every million people. The Director General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Ghebreyesus, even described the result of Japan's efforts in tackling the spread as a "success," The Japan Times writes. With this in mind, Japan may be selective in who this new plan will apply to, not to mention, if all foreign travelers will be allowed to visit. Earlier this month, Japan extended its travel bans to Mexico and 12 other countries, according to Kyodo News reports.

Until the Japanese government unveils this plan, we'll just have to wait and see what’s in store. Fingers crossed that Japan follows Sicily's lead!

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

You Might Also Like