The Japanese Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya, stated that the government is analyzing the possibility of increasing visa fees for tourists, considering that they are low compared to those in the United States and Europe. Although the details are not yet established, Iwaya mentioned that the impact on tourism will be taken into account. The number of foreign visitors increased by 17.7% in the first nine months of the year, reaching 31.65 million, and estimates suggest that Japan could exceed 40 million tourists in 2024.
The government aims to attract 60 million visitors annually by 2030, but is facing issues of overtourism and a lack of staff in the hospitality sector. Authorities intend to improve access to regional airports to encourage visits to other regions. Tourism has become Japan's second largest export sector, surpassing the electronics industry.
Sources