Letters | Can Japan strike a new green tourism deal?
Readers discuss the backlash against overtourism in Japan, and the price of tickets with a stopover in Hong Kong
Both the capital city Tokyo and the “nation’s kitchen” Osaka have evolved out of exchanges between East Asia and Europe. These cities have always hosted foreigners, and meeting tourists and immigrants is an inevitable part of urban life. Recall that over a century ago, Chinese people responded to Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary call from Japan.
Today, travel is also a cherished pastime for many around the world. Nonetheless, tourism is not an industry without its environmental and societal impacts. According to a pre-pandemic study, tourism is estimated to account for 8 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. It may be time to consider a new green tourism deal.
Striking a balance between benefits and drawbacks requires coordination among policymakers, businesses and the local community. This would help ensure travellers’ convenience while respecting local traditions.