Japan will aim to shore up travel demand from late July

The government will carry out support measures to shore up demand in the travel and restaurant industries hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, starting late July, sources said Monday.

In what has been dubbed the “Go To campaign,” the government will compile a series of support measures, including the issuance of coupons.

In its revised basic policy on response to the coronavirus crisis, the government will include plans to ease restrictions on outings in stages by the end of July.

The government booked some ¥1.7 trillion to finance the measures under its first supplementary budget for fiscal 2020. Under the campaign, when a travel product is purchased through a travel agency, a discount coupon worth 50 percent of the product price will be offered, the sources said.

By also offering coupons for souvenirs and facility use, the government hopes to shore up demand at travel destinations.

With travel demand expected to recover once movement restrictions are completely lifted around Aug. 1, the government hopes to start issuing coupons and make other preparations from late July, according to the sources.

Your news needs your support

Since the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis, The Japan Times has been providing free access to crucial news on the impact of the novel coronavirus as well as practical information about how to cope with the pandemic. Please consider subscribing today so we can continue offering you up-to-date, in-depth news about Japan.

PHOTOS