Japan's tourism minister on Friday urged young people and seniors in large group tours not to use the government's travel subsidy campaign, citing the risk they may spread the coronavirus and, in the case of the elderly, develop severe symptoms.
Kazuyoshi Akaba's recommendation adds to confusion over eligibility for the Go To Travel campaign, which will begin Wednesday as scheduled to spur domestic travel. On Thursday, the government excluded Tokyo, the area hardest hit by the virus, from the initiative amid concerns over the spread of infections.
Akaba said specific age groups and size of tours subject to the advisory are still under consideration, but said a group of 50 travelers getting together to socialize at their destination would be an example.
School trips led by teachers, however, will be covered by the discount campaign, the minister said.
Under the 1.35 trillion yen ($12.59 billion) tourism push, the campaign will eventually subsidize up to half of travel expenses, including accommodation and transport fees, with the government initially providing discounts worth 35 percent of total costs.
The remaining 15 percent will be covered by coupons to be issued after September for food, shopping and other travel activities offered at destinations, according to the tourism ministry.
On Thursday, the government decided to exclude trips to and from Tokyo from the controversial initiative amid concern that the planned nationwide campaign would contribute to a resurgence in virus infections.
Akaba said it was a "gut-wrenching" decision to remove Tokyo but that the capital has become "a center of the viral spread."