Will Japan open for tourists in the summer, testing group tours in the country

Coronavirus and the current global situation have negatively affected the tourism industry in Japan. To address this issue, the national tourism agency has been conducting trial group tours around the country since May 17. This decision should be the first step for the revival of the industry.

The purpose of the new program is to test health safety protocols and create new rules that are more loyal to tourists and independent travelers. This will allow us to develop effective measures to quickly combat COVID-19. In the future, it is planned to create recommendations for travel agencies and hosts in Japan.

A similar program in the country was planned to be launched at the end of 2021. However, due to complications, it was postponed. The reason is the increased border control measures for tourists in Japan.

Features of group tours:

• They are regulated and will be held in certain cities and sights of the country.
• Periodic health and temperature checks.
• Possible cancellation of quarantine measures and the wearing of masks on certain sections of the route.

According to the assurances of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the opening of the country for vacationers will not be postponed and will take place simultaneously with other G7 states. After that, part of the restrictions will be lifted, and the tourist flow will increase. However, it is too early to judge how busy the tourism industry of the state will actually become.