TOKYO: Japan’s tourism industry, battered by the novel coronavirus epidemic, has high hopes that the government will ramp up support for the sector after SUGA Yoshihide was elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Monday.

Suga, who is almost certain to be elected Japan’s new prime minister at the Diet, the country’s parliament, on Wednesday, has played a leading role in introducing the Go To Travel tourism promotion scheme as chief cabinet secretary under the administration of outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

But the government is bound to continue struggling with the job of balancing steps to shore up the economy with measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus as the threat of a surge in infections remains.

The government-led scheme, which was partially launched in late July, is expected to be implemented in its full form under the potential Suga administration with the Oct. 1 introduction of coupons that can be spent at stores in travel destinations.

In addition, Tokyo, which has been left out of the scheme due its high coronavirus infection numbers, is expected to be added to the initiative next month.

Many tourism-related companies whose summer revenue slumped due to the epidemic are pinning high hopes on the full-scale launch of the scheme.

“I believe (Suga) will further promote the campaign” after becoming prime minister, an official of a major travel agency said.

The Go To Eat campaign, designed to aid the dining industry, is also expected to be rolled out under the Suga administration.

The government has so far stumbled on the Go To Travel rollout, such as by deciding to exclude Tokyo from the campaign just before its launch and in handling resulting cancellation fees.

There is strong concern around the country that the Go To schemes could lead to the spread of the coronavirus. The number of new infection cases attributable to travel has been limited so far, but an autumn spike is feared. If the government mishandles its response, the Go To schemes may become a source of intense public criticism, sources said.

JIJI Press