Osaka Shelves Tourist Levy

OSAKA, Aug 28 (News On Japan) - An expert panel for the Osaka Prefectural Government has recommended shelving a plan to introduce a levy on foreign tourists, concluding that the proposal cannot move forward at this time.

Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura signaled in March 2024 that he aimed to introduce a system requiring foreign visitors to bear part of the cost of measures against overtourism, prompting a panel of university professors and other experts to study the idea.

On August 27, the panel reported to the prefecture that the scheme faces numerous legal and practical challenges and said it has no choice but to put the introduction on hold.

Among the reasons cited were the lack of a legal basis for asking only foreigners to shoulder the burden and the risk of violating tax treaties that prohibit discrimination based on nationality.

The prefectural government said it will review its next steps in light of the panel’s recommendation.

Source: YOMIURI

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