**Japan’s Travel Subsidy and Go To Travel Campaign: A Comprehensive Look**
**Introduction**
The Japanese government has launched a series of travel subsidy programs aimed at stimulating domestic tourism amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs, known as the Go To Travel and Go To Travel Regional campaigns, have garnered significant attention and participation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these initiatives, examining their eligibility criteria, booking procedures, and impact on the tourism industry.
**Go To Travel Campaign**
The Go To Travel campaign was first introduced in July 2020. It offers subsidies of up to 50% on travel expenses, including accommodation, transportation, and activities. To be eligible for the subsidy, travelers must book their trip through a designated travel agency and meet certain requirements, such as:
– Being a Japanese resident
– Traveling within Japan
– Staying overnight at a participating accommodation
– Purchasing a Go To Travel coupon
The subsidy is applied at the point of purchase, and travelers can choose from a variety of travel packages offered by participating agencies.
**Go To Travel Regional Campaign**
The Go To Travel Regional campaign was launched in October 2020 as an extension of the original Go To Travel program. It provides subsidies for travelers visiting specific regions in Japan that have been designated as less popular tourist destinations. The subsidy rate under this campaign is higher, at up to 70%, and the eligibility criteria are similar to those of the Go To Travel campaign.
**Booking Procedures**
To take advantage of the Go To Travel or Go To Travel Regional subsidies, travelers must book their trip through a designated travel agency. Several major travel agencies in Japan offer Go To Travel packages, including:
– JTB
– KNT
– HIS
– Rakuten Travel
– Yahoo! Travel
Travelers can search for eligible travel packages and book online or through the agencies’ physical branches. They will need to provide proof of identity and meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for the subsidy.
**Impact on the Tourism Industry**
The Go To Travel and Go To Travel Regional campaigns have had a significant impact on the Japanese tourism industry. The subsidies have stimulated domestic travel, leading to increased bookings and revenue for travel agencies, accommodations, and transportation providers.
According to the Japan Tourism Agency, the Go To Travel campaign generated over 6.7 trillion yen (approximately 61 billion USD) in travel spending between July and December 2020. The campaign also contributed to the creation of new jobs and supported businesses in the tourism sector.
**Challenges and Criticism**
Despite its positive impact, the Go To Travel campaign has also faced criticism. Some experts argue that the subsidies have not been effective in stimulating travel to less popular regions, as intended. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential for fraud and abuse of the subsidy system.
The campaign has also been criticized for contributing to the spread of COVID-19. Infections have increased in some areas after the launch of the campaign, leading to calls for stricter travel restrictions. The government has responded by suspending the subsidies temporarily in certain prefectures with high infection rates.
**Conclusion**
The Go To Travel and Go To Travel Regional campaigns have provided a temporary boost to Japan’s tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsidies have encouraged domestic travel and supported businesses in the sector. However, the campaign has also faced challenges, including criticism over its effectiveness and concerns about the spread of COVID-19. As the pandemic continues, the government will need to carefully balance the need to support the tourism industry with the need to protect public health.
**Additional Information**
– [Go To Travel Campaign Official Website](https://goto.jata-net.or.jp/en/)
– [Go To Travel Regional Campaign Official Website](https://region.goto.jata-net.or.jp/en/)
– [Japan Tourism Agency News Release on Go To Travel Campaign](https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001330233.pdf).
