Japan steps up efforts to hit 20 million goal
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Japan’s ailing economy can be revitalized by tapping the potential of growing Asian countries, especially China, according to Japan Tourism Agency’s new Commissioner, Yoshiaki Hompo.
The agency was launched last month as part of efforts to draw 20 million foreign tourists to Japan by 2020 – far beyond the 8.4 million who visited last year. In an interview with the Japan Times, Hompo said he believes that of the desired 20 million arrivals, China must contribute 6 million. In 2007, only 900,000 Chinese holidayed in Japan, and Hondo now believes that visa changes are vital.
“We will not be able to achieve that (20 million tourists) if we do not ease visa restrictions for travellers from China,” Hompo said, adding however, that the government will implement changes gradually. Experts are recommending streamlining the visa process or offering exemptions in certain cases to attract more visitors.
Hondo also dismissed suggestions that anti-Chinese sentiment in Japan would be a barrier to increased tourism, and that Japan would welcome foreign tourists, whatever their nationality.
“I do not necessarily think (Japanese) are exclusive in general,” Hompo said. “I wonder if anywhere else has people with this abundant hospitable mentality.”
“Japan as a whole is increasingly aware that it must vitalize its regions by expanding exchanges, and some municipalities are desperate,” Hompo told the newspaper.
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