Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

19 Jun, 2015

Japan set to ease visa rules for foreign ski instructors amid tourism surge | The Japan Times

Tokyo: The government may ease visa requirements for foreign ski instructors by March next year to cope with a recent surge in foreign tourists visiting resorts in Japan, officials said Thursday. The move comes amid rising calls from some of the nation’s prominent ski resorts asking for a greater number of foreign instructors, said a Japan Tourism Agency official who asked not to be named.

Foreign tourists numbers have jumped in recent years mainly due to a weakening yen and visa-relaxation programs for Southeast Asian countries. The recent rise in foreign visitors to ski resorts, including those in Hokkaido and Nagano Prefecture, has highlighted the need for non-Japanese instructors who can better communicate with the tourists, the official said.

Read the rest: Japan set to ease visa rules for foreign ski instructors amid tourism surge | The Japan Times