Japan reopening may happen in autumn, but hold your horses

Japan will host the Tourism expo in September, which may lead to a reopening this autumn. The nation's upcoming reopening remains in doubt.

The panel consisted of Tomohiro Kaneko, vice-commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency, and others. They gave an update on Japan's tourism at the press conference at the 21st World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit.

Japan partially reopened to students and business travellers for inbound tourism. The entry ban on non-resident foreign nationals from 106 countries was lifted on Friday.

The group was tight-lipped on the actual date of Japan's reopening, stressing that the government is considering the rate of infections domestic and overseas.

The panel is positive that the tourism sector will recover as Japan remains the leading country foreign travellers want to visit.

Mr. Kaneko says that they will come back strong.

Hokkaido in the north and Kyushu in the south are areas that the agency is keen in promoting. He said that the government will give financial support to develop high-level accommodations and provide tourist assistance in high value added tourism areas.

Mr. Takahashi promoted the upcoming Tourism EXPO Japan, which will take place in September and will bring together business and consumers. The source said that Japan will reopen in time for the trade show to accommodate travellers.

The official announcement of Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will be held until then.