The Japanese government on April 20 approved a series of support measures to assist areas affected by last month's earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, including a tourism subsidy program across the southwestern island of Kyushu.
According to the decision made at a cabinet meeting, the support package includes the implementation of a tourism promotion program for the entire Kyushu region, aimed at boosting local economic recovery after the disaster. The program is expected to cover travel and accommodation costs for visitors, thereby restoring tourist numbers that had dropped sharply following the earthquake.
The earthquake that struck Kumamoto and neighboring areas last month caused severe human and infrastructure damage, disrupting many economic and tourism activities in Kyushu. Previously, the government had conducted multiple field surveys and worked with local authorities to develop appropriate support measures.
In addition to the tourism subsidy program, other support measures were also mentioned in the package, targeting the rapid reconstruction of affected areas as well as stabilizing the lives of local residents.
