IATA Chief Criticizes Hike in Japan’s International Tourist Departure Tax

Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), criticized the planned increase in Japan’s International Tourist Tax (departure tax), saying that “anything that makes travel more expensive is a negative.”

He made these remarks during a group interview with media representatives from the Asia-Pacific region at the IATA Annual General Meeting, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The departure tax is currently set at 1,000 yen and applies to everyone departing from Japan. From July 1, it will be significantly raised to 3,000 yen, while at the same time, passport issuance fees will be reduced.

Walsh praised the Japanese government’s tourism policies so far as “a great idea,” noting that Japan has greatly benefited from inbound tourism. He added that “continuing to make access to the country easy is extremely positive for promoting inbound tourism and, by extension, inbound business.”