Can Japan strike a new green tourism deal?
Published: 2:30pm, 15 Feb 2025 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification In about two months, the World Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai, Japan, is expected to welcome nearly 30 million visitors. Additionally, two mega-events, the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya and the 2027 Horticultural Expo in Yokohama, are set to attract a massive number of visitors. Tourism has become a vital economic driver as Japan struggles with a declining population and ageing workforce, but the country is also experiencing rising discontent with overtourism. It has been argued that the Japanese government's policy needs to be actively adjusted to ensure that tourism can contribute to overall economic development while minimising harm.
Both the capital city Tokyo and the 'nation's kitchen' Osaka have evolved out of exchanges between East Asia and Europe. These cities have always hosted foreigners, and meeting tourists and immigrants is an inevitable part of urban life. Recall that over a century ago, Chinese people responded to Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary call from Japan.
Today, travel is also a cherished pastime for many around the world. Nonetheless, tourism is not an industry without its environmental and societal impacts. According to a pre-pandemic study, tourism is estimated to account for 8 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. It may be time to consider a new green tourism deal.
Striking a balance between benefits and drawbacks requires coordination among policymakers, businesses and the local community. This would help ensure travellers' convenience while respecting local traditions.
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