Travel ban impacts
Japan has faced tough restrictions on international travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with many incoming travelers required to produce a negative Covid-19 test before entering the country. The Japanese government recently made the decision to lift its travel ban, with the latest change allowing citizens from 21 countries to visit the country again.
The ban had been in place since April 2020, and for nearly a year the country had refused entry to tourists, travelers, and foreign citizens. It was the only major industrialized country in the world to disallow foreign entry. The pandemic has had a significant effect on the Japanese tourism industry, with the number of international tourists decreasing by almost 98% in 2020 compared to the previous year. This significant drop has been largely attributed to the travel ban, and it is now hoped that the lifting of the ban will help to revive the industry.
There are several reasons why the ban has been lifted. The most obvious is to support the struggling economy. With the sharp decrease in tourist numbers, many local businesses and travel agencies have been heavily impacted. A second reason is the improvement in the Covid-19 situation in Japan. Vaccinations are now starting to have an effect, and with the vaccination rate continuing to climb the government has judged the situation to be safe enough to lift the ban.
The decision has been met with anticipation by the travel industry. Businesses such as travel agencies, hotels, and restaurants are hoping that a return of tourists from abroad will help add to the country’s economic recovery. Domestic tourism was briefly strong during the pandemic, but with improved international connections the Japanese government hopes to see millions of visitors from abroad returning.
Protocols & requirements
The lifted ban does come with several requirements, so not all citizens from the 21 countries affected will be able to travel freely. All travelers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, and are required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their departure flight. In addition to that, all travelers will be kept under surveillance through travel restriction registration systems and regular testing.
The Japanese government has also suggested that travelers looking to visit the country should take a Covid-19 test five days after they arrive. Taking the test is voluntary, but it is strongly recommended that people carry it out before going to places where they are likely to interact with people, such as hotels, temples, and tourist attractions. This measure is important to protect both the traveler and the local population.
The government has also stated that anyone who is found to breach their quarantine rules and regulations will be subject to fines and restrictions, and may even face legal prosecution. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that travelers have all the necessary paperwork in order on arrival.
Reaction to the lift
The decision to lift the travel ban has been met with both enthusiasm and apprehension. On the one hand, it is seen as a positive step toward the recovery of the Japanese economy, and a sign that the situation is improving. On the other hand, there are still concerns about the country’s ability to handle a sudden influx of travelers, with many worrying about a potential second-wave of the Covid-19 virus if travelers are not kept in check.
The government is promoting the return of foreign tourists, but has so far made no promises to ease restrictions in the near future. The decision to slowly open the border in a controlled manner shows an understanding of the complexity and potential risks of allowing large numbers of people into the country.
The Japanese travel industry could already see signs of a revival when the ban was lifted. Travel agencies noted an increase in inquiries and bookings from abroad, and many popular tourist attractions have reported a sharp increase in visitor numbers. This is an encouraging sign, but it is clear that the recovery of the industry still has a long way to go.
Tourism implications
The effects of the pandemic have been deeply felt in Japan’s tourism sector. Over the past decade, the country had enjoyed record numbers of incoming travelers compared to previous decades. It was the fourth most visited destination in the world before the pandemic. However, the pandemic has swiftly wiped out a decade of progress, with the number of foreign visitors falling from a record of 31 million in 2019 to just 620,000 in 2020.
The recovery of the industry cannot be guaranteed. As more countries look to reopen their borders, the competition for travelers will become even tougher. In order for Japan to remain competitive, the government will need to focus on the promotion of its unique selling points, such as its historical sites, cuisine, and culture.
Domestic efforts
The Japanese government has taken several steps to help the tourism industry establish itself in the post-pandemic landscape. It has launched several initiatives, including a public-private partnership to reduce flight costs and a campaign to entice domestic travelers to visit tourist destinations around the country.
The new initiatives show a commitment to helping the tourism industry recover, and it is hoped that the measures will help provide economic stimulus to communities that have been affected by the pandemic.
Vaccinations & progress
An important step in the recovery of Japan’s tourism industry has been the recent rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations. The government has secured enough vaccines for the country’s population, and is looking to secure more from abroad.
Progress has been made in the rollout, and the government is on track to have the population fully vaccinated by fall 2021. This is an encouraging sign, and it shows that the country is making progress toward normalization.
Communication & engagement
The Japanese government has done well in keeping the public informed throughout the pandemic, with frequent updates on the situation and regular public health guidance. This proactive approach to communication has helped people to remain aware of the situation, and it has also helped travelers to plan their trips and to remain informed of restrictions.
The government has also been engaged with the travel sector, establishing several committees to assist in the recovery of the industry. Together, the government and the travel sector have come up with several initiatives, such as “Go To” campaigns, which aim to promote domestic travel and help sustain tourism-related businesses.
Impact on Japanese citizens
The lifting of the travel ban has been seen as a positive step forward for many Japanese citizens, who are now able to visit family and friends either within the country or from abroad. However, the government has urged citizens to be sensible when it comes to travel, and to consider their travel plans carefully.
With the international situation still uncertain, many people are opting to wait a while before making any travel plans. Nevertheless, the government’s decision to lift the travel ban has been met with an eagerness by many travelers, and it is hoped that the country will soon start to see a significant increase in foreign tourists.
