Japan channels tourist tax windfall to bear and beetle control
By The BriefBrief
Japan plans to raise 130 billion yen in the 2026 financial year from its International Tourist Tax, collected from people leaving via airports or seaports. The government says the funds for tourism support will be used for projects including preventing bear attacks and eradicating an invasive beetle, which critics say offer limited direct benefit to travellers.
WHO:Japanese government
WHAT:Japan plans to use International Tourist Tax revenue for projects including preventing bear attacks and eradicating an invasive beetle.
WHEN:Reported Aug 26, 2026 at 11:10 PM ET
WHERE:Japan
WHY:The government is funding tourism-support projects using revenue from the increased International Tourist Tax on departures.
