Tokyo: Experts commissioned by the Japan Tourism Agency met on Monday to launch a review of dual pricing for tourist sites, in which charges for nonresidents, including inbound tourists, are set higher than those for residents.
According to Philippines News Agency, the agency plans to draw up guidelines as early as this fiscal year based on the discussions. These guidelines will assist local governments and businesses in setting charges for tourist sites. JTA Commissioner Shigeki Murata highlighted the trend of revising fees to maintain and enhance tourism content while addressing issues of overtourism. He noted that such cases could serve as references for other tourism facilities and services.
In a recent development, the Himeji city government in the western prefecture of Hyogo implemented a dual pricing model. In March, the entrance fee for Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was increased to 2,500 yen for nonresidents, while the price for residents remained unchanged at JPY1,000.
