Imperial Couple to Visit Kumamoto Amid Travel Subsidy Rollout After July Quake
The imperial couple, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, are set to visit Kumamoto as the government implements travel subsidies to encourage visitors following the July earthquake. Local tour operators note a sharp decline in both international and domestic tourism to Kyushu.
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According to the South China Morning Post, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are scheduled to visit Kumamoto as the government introduces travel subsidies intended to attract visitors after the earthquake in July. The imperial couple had initially planned to meet with communities in Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, but that visit was postponed because of inclement weather. On Wednesday, they are planned to speak with families who are currently residing in temporary housing after losing their residences and businesses.
Local tour operators have stated that the volume of both international and domestic visitors to Kyushu dropped sharply subsequent to the disaster. Although there are indications that domestic tourism is beginning to increase, the operators are advocating for a campaign designed to assure tourists that the area is safe for visitation once more.
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