From Japan To Sicily
‘Low Season Travelling’ In Time Of COVID-19
The Coronavirus has pushed the whole world into chaos, especially the future trips that have been planned or were being planned. The good news is that we have seen there are more and more countries seeking to boost their tourism numbers by subsidizing holidaymakers – which is also an amazing way to develop your LOW SEASON travelling, right? Greater wellbeing and lower costs.
Perhaps you’re looking for a good-value break after over 100 days of COVID-19 lockdown? Here at Low Season Traveller, we’ve been taking a look at some of the key news items which may help you out as you search for your next break away.
Japan – Holiday subsidies are on the road
You can benefit from Japan’s healthy lifestyle and socially aware culture as Japan has not been affected too much by Covid19 compared to the rest of the world.
The Japanese government launched its Go To Travel campaign for domestic travel in May eager to boost, what is today’s, third-largest economy. Under the initiative, the government will provide subsidies worth up to 10,000 yen ($185) per day for travellers going on leisure trips. These subsidies will cover half the cost of trips, distributed through a combination of steep discounts and vouchers to be used at local restaurants and shops.
The initiative is expected to begin as early as July. Some 1.35 trillion yen has been earmarked for the Go To Travel initiative announced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He also said that Japan will begin to ease travel restrictions on inbound travel from Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam with restrictions on other countries due to ease later (Kyodo News). For the time being, we can all start preparing our Japan itineraries.
The Japan Times reports that Japan welcomed 31.9 million overseas visitors last year.
You can prepare for the cultural change a visit to Japan will bring by listening to our latest podcast on Japan.
Sicily – Half price flights
Italy has been slowly reopening, and Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island, is taking aggressive steps to lure tourists back to its glamorous shores.
The Sicilian regional government is offering to subsidize both domestic and international visitors travelling to the island this year.
It is expected that the campaign, which will cost more than US$50 million, will include perks in the form of vouchers which will be provided shortly after the lockdown ends.
It was announced by the local government that it will cover half of the travellers’ post-coronavirus airline tickets plus one out of every three hotel nights, in addition to free tickets to such attractions as museums and archaeological sites.
It was reported that they will be provided on the Visit Sicily website.
The Sicilian tourist board website will be providing further details of how to claim these benefits once the lockdown restrictions have been successfully eased further (without a rise in coronavirus cases).
In light of this initiative, we think now is a good time to start dreaming and indeed planning a trip to this island which is famous for it’s clear water, white sand beaches, volcanic landscape, rich history, delicious food and friendly locals.
Cancun – Back to the beach
Cancun is promoting a campaign #Come2MexicanCaribbean. As Mexico aims to re-open several of its borders later in June. Starting from June 15, the Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelo & Isla Mujeres, the Riviera Maya, Cozumel, and the Grand Costa Maya are working together for this.
The #Come2MexicanCaribbean campaign is now being promoted across various destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, ranging from Cancun to Cozumel and it is reported that several key tourism partners are involved and offering discounts including; hotels, destinations, car rental companies as well as 20% off at participating theme parks, golf courses, and spas too. It will also include free hotel stays for children.
Cancun combines the best of the Caribbean and Mexico, the modern and ancient, adventure and tranquility. Now, is the time to start planning.
Croatia – The borders fully opened
Croatia enjoys about 2800 sunshine hours every year and even more on its small cultural island Hvar which has a remarkable 6 UNESCO protections for it’s cultural heritage. Travellers are attracted by its healthy Mediterranean diet, the unique religious events, the skill of dry stone walling and so many more unique attractions.
Over the weekend of 16/17, May Croatia opened its borders. The tourism minister said that all foreign tourists who have pre-booked accommodation before entering the country would be permitted entry.
Test and stay
Other countries are also taking a positive method to boost their tourism.
The Portuguese island of Madeira is planning to offer free coronavirus tests when they reopen to tourists in July.
After successfully managing the Coronavirus situation, Iceland already has plans well underway for the reopening of its tourism. The government declared that Coronavirus tests will be offered to arriving tourists as a way to avoid the two weeks mandatory quarantine from 15 June. This country will use its main international gateway of Keflavik Airport as the testing point, according to SchengenVisaInfo.com.
Meanwhile, Austria, Germany and Switzerland have relaxed travel restrictions for each other’s citizens.