The outbreak of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection) in 2019 spread worldwide in the blink of an eye, and many countries are still suffering under grave conditions today. Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic inflicted unprecedented harm never before experienced on many involved with tourism in Japan and around the world.
Japan confronted major changes in its social and economic structure and national life, but living under the so-called “new way of life” took hold. From the summer onward, a variety of recovery support measures were enacted by national and local authorities, leading to steady growth in traffic, and in some tourism areas, some places showing signs of recovery began to emerge.
In Issue No. 247, we invited stakeholders (government authorities, DMOs, private enterprises, etc.) to speak on the realities of tourism during the coronavirus pandemic, particularly the actual conditions and challenges in the field (rural communities) focusing on the summer season, and held a thoughtful exchange of views. In this issue, we attempt to explore the points of view we wish to emphasize in order to survive the coronavirus pandemic.