Japan's travel subsidy program attracts numerous travelers, campaign could be extended

The Japanese government's "Go To Travel" subsidy campaign aimed at boosting the tourism industry battered by the COVID-19 pandemic has seen healthy numbers of domestic travelers since its launch through the end of September, the tourist ministry said Tuesday.

The government initially earmarked 1.35 trillion yen (12.77 billion U.S. dollars) for the campaign based on estimates that those taking advantage of the subsidy would equal 73 million overnight stays at hotels and properties and 48 million day trips.

Provided funds remain, the government suggested the travel scheme may be extended, more so since travel to and from Tokyo, initially excluded from the campaign due to a resurgence of virus cases in the capital, was permitted to join the program on Oct. 1.

This was the same day the government added an additional 15 percent to the scheme in the form of shopping and dining coupons.

Prior to this, the subsidy program offered a 35 percent discount for hotels and package tour costs, with the tourist ministry saying that on average 12,000 yen (113 U.S. dollars) has been paid per person in accommodation expenses.

The scheme makes provisions for up to 20,000 yen (189 U.S. dollars) per person per night at accommodations and is capped at 10,000 yen per day trip.

The ministry also said that 25.18 million domestic overnight stays have been covered for around two months since its launch, with the government underwriting 109.9 billion yen (1.04 billion U.S. dollars) in discounts under the scheme that will last through at least the end of January.