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JNTO President says Japan is “fully prepared” to host foreign tourists from October

Japan to lift COVID restrictions on foreign tourists from October. (AFP)
Japan to lift COVID restrictions on foreign tourists from October. (AFP)
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28 Sep 2022 08:09:37 GMT9
28 Sep 2022 08:09:37 GMT9

Arab News Japan

The Japanese government announced that it will lift tough COVID-19 restrictions on foreign tourists on October 11, reopening the borders after two and a half years.

Japan has been a holdout in continuing tough restrictions on visitors, as much of the world has moved on from the pandemic. 

Tourists who come to Japan will enjoy a weak yen, which has plummeted so low against the dollar that the finance ministry intervened in the currency market Thursday for the first time since 1998.

The return of the visa-waiver program suspended in March 2020 will restore the ease of access that saw a record 31.9 million foreign visitors to the country in 2019.

Since June, Japan has allowed tourists to visit in groups accompanied by guides, a requirement that was further relaxed to include self-guided package tours.

“JNTO will be doing everything we can to provide you with the latest information on coming to Japan so that many tourists can visit and journey throughout our country. So you can do more than take in Japan’s captivating culture, history, nature, and cuisine, we are also working hard on projects for sustainable tourism, adventure travel, and luxury travel,”  the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) President SEINO Satoshi said, adding that Japan is “fully prepared” to host such events.

“The Middle East is positioned as one of the 22 strategic international markets targeted by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Since the opening of the JNTO Dubai Office in November 2021, we have been eagerly awaiting, and busy preparing for, the day when international visitors can return to Japan with relaxed entry restrictions,” KOBAYASHI Daisuke, the Executive Director of JNTO Dubai office said.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the UAE, the JNTO Dubai Office plans on carrying out various promotional activities and commemorative events that will be organized by the Japanese diplomatic missions and joint campaigns with stakeholders in the region.

“I am looking forward to seeing as many people as possible from the Middle East visit Japan in the coming months and year,” Daisuke added.

*with AFP

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