Uncontrollable epidemic, Tokyo and Nagoya may suspend tourism subsidy programs

At present, Hokkaido and Osaka, hot spots of the epidemic in Japan, have been excluded from the "Go To Travel".

Affected by the new crown epidemic, the Japanese government is considering whether to remove the Tokyo Metropolitan and Nagoya travel subsidy program "Go To Travel".

According to Kyodo News, on the afternoon of the 13th local time, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had discussions with the economic regeneration director Yasushimura Yasushimura, Kenhisa Aidamura, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato at the official residence. After the consultation, Nishimura told the media at the official residence that he would continue to coordinate with the local government on this matter.

Regarding whether Tokyo Metropolitan and Nagoya City will be added to the suspension, it is expected that based on the results of negotiations between Nishimura and the local government, the government’s countermeasure headquarters meeting will be held on the 14th to determine the final response.

Regarding the government’s Go To Travel project, the suspension of discounts for travel to Osaka and Sapporo is being extended from the original 15 days.

According to the Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK), Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga stated on the 13th that the tourism subsidy activity "Go To Travel" aims to boost the local economy. But he added that the government will arrange appropriate responses with local governments to curb the spread of the new crown virus.

At present, Hokkaido and Osaka, hot spots of the epidemic in Japan, have been excluded from the "Go To Travel". As the new crown epidemic is still spreading in these two cities, the Japanese central government is considering expanding restrictions.