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The number of Japanese traveling abroad in 1996 increased
by 1.4 million to 16.69 million, which is a record high and up 9.1% over the
previous year.
The number of foreign travelers visiting Japan was also up 0.49 million
to 3.84 million, a 14.7% increase over the previous year. This is still behind
the level of western countries, even so when compared with that of Asian countries
(Fig. 39, Fig.
40).
The Ministry is taking various measures to promote regional economy by attracting
travelers to local sightseeing spots, under the Law to Promote Inbound Tourism
by Diversifying Destinations in Japan (effective as of June 1997), a by-product
of the 'Welcome Plan 21' (the program to double the number of foreign visitors
through international exchanges in tourism). Also, the Ministry is pushing forward
with international cooperation in this area, by promoting international conventions
and regular bilateral consultations on tourism.
The Ministry is making efforts to activate regional economy and promote domestic travel in various ways; establishing the Domestic Tourism Promotion Conference, holding the Prefectural Tourism Promotion Conference at the Regional Level, and stirring up domestic travel through promotions at the Tabi (Travel) Fair '97, promoting tourism through protection and utilization of tourism resources, and creating more attractive travel destinations by maintaining camping sites for family use, facilities for international exchanges and communications.
The Ministry, through activities at the Council for Promoting "Leisurely Vacation", is making efforts to develop an environment in which the people can enjoy their recreational pastimes at a leisurely pace. Also, the revised Travel Agency Law and other regulations came into effect in April 1996 to further secure consumer protection. The Ministry is also promoting marine and sky recreational activities.
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