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Hokkaido Urges Businesses to Adopt Two-Tier Pricing for Travelers
Hokkaido joins the call for two-tier pricing for tourism in Japan, calling on businesses to give prefectural residents a discount.
By Francesca Annio
2024 is shaping up to be another lucky year for Japan’s tourism industry. As travelers flock to experience Japan’s rich culture, concerns about overtourism and disruptions to local life are growing. In response, both central and local governments are exploring solutions. One new idea: a dual fee system that charges tourists more than locals. In the latest sign this approach is gaining popularity, Hokkaido is calling on local merchants to adopt the strategy.
Pricing split
Tough times call for tough measures. That seems to be the driving force behind Hokkaido’s imminent introduction of a “dual pricing” system for tourist attractions and services. Simply put, higher prices for tourists and lower ones for locals.
This plan has been in the works in Japan for a while now. In Hokkaido, it was first announced during a Yomiuri panel discussion featuring Kenji Koganezawa, Chairman of the Hokkaido Tourism Organization…
