Kazuyoshi Akaba, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, revealed at a news conference on August 25 2020 that users of the Japanese government’s domestic travel recovery campaign ‘Go To Travel’ reached about 4.2 million guest nights in total in the period between July 27, the launch day, and August 20.  

“Users of Shinkansen and domestic flights during the summer holiday period in the middle of August were fewer than expected. The campaign has been used for travels to nearby destinations by cars, rather than travels to long-haul destinations,” he said. “I think it is too early to evaluate whether the campaign is successful, when we consider the current infection situation.”

According to the news conference, registrations in the campaign accounted for 49% of all accommodation providers and 58% of all travel service providers. “Including applications in process, registrations may reach 60% overall. It is a good start, and I believe that the campaign will contribute to revitalization of local economies in autumn and winter this year and even in the next spring,” Akaba added.