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On September 29, 2020, the Prime Minister attended the 39th meeting of the Tourism Strategy Promotion Council at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, the participants engaged in discussions on the current state of tourism in Japan and initiatives for recovery.

Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“I believe that those who work in the tourism industry support local communities. Not only in hotels and Japanese inns (ryokan), but also in other areas such as bus transportation and taxi services, as well as food and gift shops, approximately 9 million people are working in this industry. Through the ‘Go To Travel Campaign’ launched in July, we have been extending support with a hope that works in this industry can first survive the current situation. We are extending assistance with such a mindset. As was discussed earlier, a total of more than 13 million people have utilized this campaign for their stays, and so far, the number of the infected persons confirmed among those who utilized the campaign remains less than 20. I hope that everyone will continue to use this campaign while squarely taking measures to prevent infections.

Today’s accounts of hotel and ryokan owners, who are making various efforts such as renovating facilities and using the ‘Go To Campaign,’ and managed to gradually bring back tourists, were truly insightful. I heard today, a wide variety of efforts are necessary for further recovery going forward, including the conversion of facilities for solo tourists and inbound travelers, support for business succession, as well as making foreign language signboards and guides available, and expansion of travel markets such as workations.

I ask the Japan Tourism Agency to take the lead and compile by the end of this year a policy plan necessary to recover tourism demand for the time being while implementing countermeasures against infections. Tourism is not solely vested to the Japan Travel Agency. It is a policy issue that involves many government offices, including cultural facilities and national parks. The revival of tourism requires the relevant ministries and agencies to exercise their respective wisdom. I intend for the Government to work as one, getting rid of bureaucratic sectionalism and without being constrained by past practices. I ask for your cooperation.”