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The number of foreign visitors to Japan exceeded four million persons in FY 1997 for the first time ever, but this figure is still relatively small (Figure 48). Based on the Welcome Plan 21 and the Law to Promote Inbound International Tourism by Diversifying Destination in Japan, therefore, the Ministry of Transport is promoting various measures including the development of International Tourism Theme Areas to attract foreign visitors to Japan and domestic regions. It has also been holding regular bilateral tourism consultations with foreign countries in order to promote international exchange cooperation through tourism.
In efforts to revitalize regions through tourism, the Ministry, in cooperation with the tourism industry and local government people, has been promoting tourism promotion measures including the Model Projects for Developing the Creation of Tourist Destinations, holding the conference for Tourism Promotion by Wide-Area Cooperation in the 2lst Century (WAC21) (Figure 49) and Travel Fair 1998 events. It has also been developing attractive resorts including the International Exchange Villages, the Family Auto CampVillages and the Comprehensive Resort Areas.
The Ministry has been promoting traveling through such measures as allowing convenience stores to Sell agent-organized tours. It has also been trying to thoroughly convey Travel Advice & Warning ＆ tourists through travel agencies.
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