Hokkaido and the Japan Tourism Association explain safety measures for sightseeing boats

2022.07.23

On Thursday, July 21, Hokkaido and the Hokkaido Branch of the Japan Association of Travel Agents held a presentation on their efforts to operate sightseeing boats for travel agencies in Hokkaido ahead of the summer tourism season.

The presentation was held in April this year to dispel concerns about the negative image of sightseeing boats and the tourism industry in Hokkaido, which has continued since the impact of the tourist boat accident that occurred off the coast of Shiretoko.

The venue was attended by 14 travel agencies that handle tours in Hokkaido. Efforts to support the sightseeing boat business from the province. Tourism associations of Shiretoko Shari Town, Shiretoko Rausu Town, and Otaru City, which participated, explained their safety measures.

The Shiretoko Shari Town Tourism Association explained measures such as regular inspections and videos of distress and life-saving equipment for passengers. He complained that "about 20% of the number of people on board and 56% of the number of guests (compared to June 2019) compared to before the pandemic."

The province is a support for sightseeing boat operators. home page In addition to disseminating our own safety measures, the tourism association to which the sightseeing boat operator belongs and Passenger Ship Association Created subsidies that can be used. He explained that he will focus on dispelling the negative image of sightseeing boats and the tourism industry.

At the press conference, Governor Suzuki said, "We will seize various opportunities to recover the demand for sightseeing boats."