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Ishigaki Island] About GoTo Travel after reopening! Are there any changes in discount rates and coupons? Can I use it in Ishigaki Island?
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What is GoTo Travel?
The GoTo Travel Campaign is an initiative of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan Tourism Agency) to revive the tourism industry (lodging, travel, restaurants, retail, transportation, other services, etc.) that has been severely affected by the new coronavirus infection. The program is designed to promote travel and tourism and revitalize local economies by having the government pay a portion of the cost of domestic travel.
The GoTo Travel campaign started in phases on July 22, 2020. It became a big topic of conversation, saying, "You can actually save half the price of a trip (including coupons). Many travelers visited Ishigaki Island to take advantage of this campaign, and the island was very excited. However, the business has been suspended since December 28 of the same year until now.
[Updated 11/24/2021] Reopening after mid-January 2022?
According to reports as of November 2021, GoTo Travel isAfter mid-January of 2022On November 19, 2021, the official GoTo Travel traveler website announced the following
Based on the opinions of experts, the resumption of the program will be determined and implemented after re-confirming the infection situation, etc. during the year-end and New Year's holidays.
We will announce the reopening date on our website as soon as it is determined.
The news comes at a time when the nation's long-standing state of emergency declaration has been lifted and the momentum for travel is gradually picking up.
However, the government is currently reviewing the system in light of current social conditions, and the content is expected to change slightly from the GoTo Travel program implemented in 2020.
→ GoTo Travel Official website for travelers
GoTo Travel Review Proposal Main Points
| conventional | →directional marker or indicator | review bill | ||
| discount rate | 35%OFF of the trip cost | →directional marker or indicator | 30%OFF of the trip cost | |
| discount
maximum amount (with lodging) |
14,000 yen per person per night | →directional marker or indicator | With transportation: 10,000 yen
Lodging only: 7,000 yen |
|
| discount
maximum amount (Day trip) |
7,000 yen | →directional marker or indicator | 3,000 yen | |
| coupon | Equivalent to 151 TP3T of the trip cost (No distinction made between weekdays and holidays) |
→directional marker or indicator | fixed amount
Weekdays 3,000 yen Holidays 1,000 yen |
|
| infectious disease
counter-measure |
Obligations on the part of businesses | →directional marker or indicator | Proof of vaccination of travelers and
Negative proof must be presented. |
Point 1: Discounted travel rates from 351 TP3TOFF to 301 TP3TOFF.
In the previous GoTo Travel implementation, the discount rate was 351 TP3TOFF (up to 14,000 yen) of the trip price, but in this GoTo Travel 2.0, the discount rate is 351 TP3TOFF of the trip price.30%OFF(up to 10,000 yen) is being considered.
Point 2: Maximum discount amount is increased from 10,000 yen to 13,000 yen
The discount was 14,000 yen per person per night when GoTo Travel was last implemented.Up to 10,000 yenThe committee is considering the possibility of setting the upper limit at
Point 3: Coupons are fixed price coupons from 151 TP3T of the trip amount.
In the previous GoTo Travel implementation, a coupon worth 151 TP3T of the trip price, called the "Regional Common Coupon" was distributed and could be used locally. In this GoTo Travel 2.0, the available coupon amounts areWeekdays 3,000 yen, ,Holidays 1,000 yenand the amount of money is being considered to be fixed.
Point 4: Coupons have different discount rates for weekdays and holidays.
When GoTo Travel was last implemented, there was no distinction between weekdays and holidays. As a result, tourists were concentrated on holidays and weekends, causing congestion. Based on this, GoTo Travel 2.0 will distinguish coupons for weekdays and holidays with the intention of dispersing tourists to weekdays as well. The definition of weekdays and holidays will be announced separately.
Point 5: Infection control measures are required.
In the previous GoTo Travel implementation, infectious disease control measures were mandatory for each business, including lodging facilities. In this GoTo Travel 2.0Vaccination Certificateand ... andnegative proof presentationThe company is considering imposing conditions such as the following on travelers.
Can GoTo Travel 2.0 be used for Ishigaki Island travel?
GoTo Travel covers domestic travel throughout Japan, so it can be used not only on Ishigaki Island, but also on Iriomote Island and other nearby islands.If you make good use of GoTo Travel, you can save a lot of money on lodging, transportation, and other expenses. The savings can be put into activities, making Ishigaki Island and GoTo Travel a perfect match.
5 Noteworthy Activities on Ishigaki Island to Check Out with GoTo Travel
GoTo Travel is still a super value for money, although there are likely to be some changes in the content. When you visit Ishigaki Island with GoTo Travel, you must experience one of the nature activity tours. We have compiled a list of the most popular tours among them.
(1) Landing and snorkeling on the Phantom Island
Phantom Island is an uninhabited island made of pure white sand, located between Ishigaki Island, Kohama Island, and Taketomi Island. To land on the island, you must join a tour.
The area around Phantom Island is surrounded by bright turquoise waters. You can enjoy snorkeling in the colorful coral and fish-filled waters.
There is also a plan that includes sightseeing on Taketomi Island, a remote island next to Ishigaki Island, and snorkeling and landing on a phantom island.
(2) Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe
Kabira Bay is synonymous with Ishigaki Island. You can enjoy SUP and canoeing in the clear blue ocean also known as "Kabira Blue".
Snorkeling in the Blue Cave
This is a snorkeling tour to visit the popular spot "Blue Cave" in Ishigaki Island. You can swim with many fishes in the sea around the blue cave.
We also offer a special one-day plan that includes SUP or canoeing in Kabira Bay and Blue Cave snorkeling, which we introduced earlier.
4) Mangrove SUP/Canoe
Ishigaki Island is famous for its mangroves, which are unique to the subtropical zone.Among them, you can experience SUP and canoeing in the hirugi forest of Miyara River, which is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.Because the river is calm, this popular tour is safe and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience.
5) Jungle & starry sky night tour
Ishigaki Island is a waste if you don't have fun at night! The night tour is a popular tour to look for subtropical creatures, plants, and the star-filled sky. Ishigaki Island is certified as a starry sky reserve, and if the weather and moon phase conditions are right, you can view the breathtaking starry sky.
summary
- GoTo Travel will likely reopen after January 2022, but the exact date has not yet been determined
- Discount rates and coupons vary.
- GoTo Travel is also available on Ishigaki Island
- Travel to Ishigaki Island with GoTo Travel to save on travel expenses and participate in activities!
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