Image via fieldmag.com //

Wouldn’t mind hitting the slopes…

Let’s face it, we’ve all been tempted at one point or another to cop a cheeky flight to Japan. Most likely to hit the slopes, cop some dope fits from the thrift stores, or just indulge in the wonderful culture it has to offer.

Yes, yes, COVID-19 has effectively put a halt to international tourism as we know it, so heading to Japan is out of the question for the next little while, but there might be small light at the tunnel. As in an attempt to boost it’s dwindling tourism industry, the Japanese government is considering subsidising a portion of tourists’ travel expenses to promote more international visitors.

According to Japanese media outlets, the $19 billion plan could start in July. Included in the plan is the possibility of Japan covering half of the cost of a tourist’s flight. However, as of now what countries this would extend to, or how long the plan itself will be in effect is yet to be known, but based on the huge drop in tourism we can expect to hang around for quite a while.

The move comes as Japan has lifted the nation’s state of emergency on Monday and begun to ease restrictions. The nation has reported 16,628 COVID-19 cases with 13,000 of those recovered and 851 deaths.

Japanese ski resort Nozawa Onsen has already announced news of the scheme on it’s Facebook page, saying “Like many countries, Japan has taken a major hit with tourism numbers dropping by 99.9 per cent from April 2019 to April 2020. To counteract this and get Japan loved again the government has announced it is putting together a scheme – it could cover half your travel expenses on a trip to Japan.”

“Details are still being finalised but with the 2021 Tokyo Olympics planned for next summer, officials are keen to get the ball rolling as soon as possible once all well to do so.”