Are you planning to go elsewhere for a much needed vacation but is worried about how much your getaway will put a drain in your pocket? Don’t worry too much because you might have a chance to come to Japan for free. The Japan Tourism Authority is mulling the idea of giving away 10,000 tickets for free (Yes, for free) to foreigners who would like to visit the country as tourists. But hold your horses, there is no site yet at which to apply for the trip. But definitely, all applications from around the world shall be received through online application. JTA as well as Japan National Tourism Organization will provide links to the site when it is finally available, both in English and Japanese.
This ambitious plan of JTA is dependent whether its budget is passed by the Ministry of Finance on its parliamentary review in March of 2012. If everything goes according to plan, applications can be made as early as April 2012.
Please take note that the free flights will not be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, JTA shall require applicants to state their intention and case and infuse “fresh new ideas” on how to experience Japan in their trip. According to JTA Spokesman Shuichi Kameyama, visiting your family members in Japan is quite acceptable but JTA will be very particular on how each applicant intends to spend their stay in Japan aside from doing their shopping and visiting popular places.
Japan’s great plan came about in response to the negative effects of natural calamities on its Tourism, Hotel and Airline industries. This year’s devastating Tsunami that struck the northern part of the country brought numerous industries to its lowest level in many years. Fear engulfed the nation because of radiation fears from nuclear reactor explosions which sent radiation to nearby places including Tokyo. Earthquakes, which is a regular occurrence in Japan (the country averages about 97 earthquakes a year) has become part of their daily lives but the recent earthquake really shook the nation.
The JTA hopes the plan will help to shed light on what areas of Japan intrigue foreign visitors that the agency was previously not aware of. Mr. Kameyama said the earliest possible update could be in late December. Its almost around the corner, so start packing your gear.