Chapter 3 Promotion of Recreational Tourism


    There has been an increase in the amount of recreational tourism, needs have become more diversified and a level of needs has become higher. This reflects the increase in free time and the growth in leisure in Japan.
    Comprehensive planned recreational tourism policies are being pursued, as follows in response to these trends, aimed at bringing about a richer quality to Japanese citizen's lives. They cover both soft and hard elements of tourism.
  (1) Two-Way Tourism 21
    A number of measures were planned and implemented, based on the July 1987 plan for doubling tourism overseas (Ten-Million Plan). The goals of the plan were achieved one year earlier than expected however, in 1990, when the number of Japanese traveling overseas reached 10 million 100 thousand.
    Mutual understanding and international exchange among citizens and the promotion of Japan's position in international society is becoming increasingly important.
    In the light of this, "Two-Way Tourism 21" was established in July 1991 with an emphasis on increasing tourism in both directions and actively raising the quality of overseas travel.
    Highly individualistic overseas travel and an approach of deeper understanding of overseas countries is being promoted. Measures are being taken for expansion in international exchange at a citizen level in order to raise the quality of Japanese travel overseas.
    Traveler support policies are also being implemented - for the safety, and the establishment of trips which can be joined after having arrived overseas.
    A number of measures are being implemented to promote travel to Japan by visitors from other countries - strengthening tourist attractions, the promotion of travel to regional areas by foreign visitors and promotion of an international convention city concept.
    A review has been made of trends of foreign visitors to Japan in recent years, and the national registration system for hotels and inns is being utilized more effectively.
  (2) Tourism Action Program in the Nineties (TAP 90's)
    Policies are being implemented in line with the 90's Touristic Attractions Plan (TAP 90's), in order to further increase interest in domestic tourism. In line with this plan, A "Tourism Promotion Lonference" was set up by the central government and the prefectual government for the proposal and implementation of concrete measures to attract tourism. The seven conference held up to the end of 1991 have produced concrete results.
    Again, in order to increase domestic travel, comprehensive health resort have been established according to the Resorts Law, and family holiday villages have been built, based on a new concept in tourist attractions.
  (3) Marine '99 Plan
    The following measures are being implemented based on the Marine '99 Master plan:
    - Strengthening facilities for the mooring of pleasure boats through the establishment of marinas, and the promotion of a system of superior marinas.
    - Establishing attractive waterfront areas through the construction of artificial beaches, maintaining safety in marine recreation, strengthening the organization for information supply, construction of passenger terminals and satisfying demand for cruises.
  (4) Air Leisures
    The popularity of paraglider flights has increased in recent years, and the National Sky Leisures Promotion Conference was established in October 1990. Policies are being implemented mainly through the Conference to encourage safety in air leisures pursuits and the promotion of regional areas through air leisures.
  (5) Camping by Car
    Camping by car has increased along with increases in free time and people's inclination to return to nature. There has been a strong growth in needs in this area. Facilities haven't kept up with the increase in demand, however, and there is a shortage of comfortable and easily accessible facilities.
    Networking of touristic resources and building facilities is required along with the provision of "soft" support for users.


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