THE WESTERN JAPANESE CITY of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima has introduced a tourism tax to preserve the nature, history and culture of the area. Since October 1 a levy of ¥100 (US$0.66) has been charged on each tourist to Miyajima Island in the city's southern region, home to UNESCO World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine. The tax is included in the boarding ticket for ferries to the island, though tourists can opt for an annual ¥500 (US$3) charge should they want to make multiple visits throughout the year. The money raised will be used to maintain tourism information desks, preserve cultural assets and historical architecture, and promote ecotourism. The city is anticipating 4 million tourists this year.…
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Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition (Digital) - 1 Issue, November - December 2023