MLIT Launches FY2026 Round-2 Cruise Inbound-Visitor Support ProgramA · FULL TRANSLATION

MLIT launched the FY2026 round-2 program to promote acceptance of cruise and other inbound visitors, using policy resources to help ports and regions strengthen their capacity to host cruise travelers. With arrivals pressured by China-market swings, the direction is welcome, it focuses on cruises, a channel that delivers travelers directly to regional port cities, echoing the strategy of diversifying sources and deepening regional tourism. Cruise tourism brings large numbers at once and directly benefits port-area local economies, an important complement for Japanese regional cities seeking to reduce reliance on a single land-route source. For regional tourism and port-related industries it is a policy-dividend signal. Watch capacity gains in subsidized areas, the recovery of cruise calls, and the boost to local spending.