“National Travel Assistance” is a new measure to stimulate tourism demand introduced nationwide by the government.
We have summarized the contents of the support, how to apply, and the challenges.
Support that can be received nationwide
The period indicated by the country is from the 11th of this month to the end of December this year.
The subsidy discount rate is 40% of the travel price, and the upper limit is
8,000 yen per person per night for travel products that include transportation such as trains, buses, and planes, and
▽ Other than that, day trips. It is up to 5000 yen including.
In addition, you can get coupons that can be used at souvenir shops in the destination prefecture, 3000 yen per person per night on weekdays and 1000 yen on weekends.
Not only adults, but also children as a general rule.
As a condition of use, it is necessary to present 3 doses of the new corona vaccine or a negative test certificate.
However, if you travel within the prefecture where you live, it is possible to have two vaccinations at the discretion of the governor.
Up to seven nights can be subsidized for one trip, and can be used as many times as you like during the period.
Details are determined by prefecture
On the other hand, unlike "Go To Travel", which was implemented mainly by Otoshikuni, "National Travel Support" is mainly operated by prefectures.
The national government has made it possible to implement it according to the actual situation in the region, and the details are left to each individual's judgment. I'm going to be
In addition, how to receive coupons is left to each prefecture, and some local governments have come up with their own support measures in line with "national travel support."
The Japan Tourism Agency is calling for reference by listing the websites of secretariat offices nationwide, but as of the 7th, there are several local governments that "publish as soon as it is decided".
How do I apply?
It is also necessary to check the application method for receiving the "National Travel Assistance" subsidy on the homepage of each prefecture.
If accommodation facilities and travel plans are eligible for support, there are generally two ways to apply: through a travel agency, etc., or directly to the accommodation facilities.
At the time of check-in, show the necessary documents such as identification and vaccination certificate, and receive a coupon on paper or a smartphone.
Concerns over the effectiveness of investigations into confusion and fraud
There are no uniform nationwide rules other than the framework of support, and some travel agencies have pointed out that confusion may occur when traveling across multiple prefectures.
In addition, investigations by the government-established secretariat for "Go To Travel" revealed a series of fraudulent receipts of benefits by travel agencies and accommodation facilities. Prefectural secretariats are now responsible for the investigation, and there are voices of concern about its effectiveness.