Japan Aims For 60 Million Foreign Visitors In 2030
Japan's chief cabinet secretary says the government will do its utmost to recover the country's tourism industry hit hard by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Suga Yoshihide expressed a goal of attracting 60 million foreign tourists in 2030.
He made the remarks at a government meeting to discuss tourism strategies.
The meeting comes after the government eased restrictions on social and economic activities by another notch and lifted travel restrictions across prefectural borders on Friday.
Suga said the pandemic has forced tourism to be temporarily restricted, but the industry is very important for Japan.
He said the government is taking various measures to keep businesses going and maintain employment.
Suga said the government will first plan to expand domestic travel while taking measures against the coronavirus outbreak.
He then noted that the government will improve the tourism environment to attract 60 million foreign visitors in 2030.
Last year, nearly 32 million foreigners visited Japan, hitting a record for the seventh year in a row.
The government had set a goal of welcoming 40 million visitors this year.
But a senior government official said the goal seems to be elusive, citing a recent plunge in foreign visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
