Japan launches Kyushu travel campaign after Kumamoto earthquake losses

THE NEWS: The Japanese government pledged to promote travel to Kyushu as part of recovery efforts after the region’s tourism industry was battered by a magnitude‑7.1 earthquake. The quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, causing severe damage to hotels, inns and related hot‑spring facilities near the epicentre.

DETAILS:

• Damage to the buildings, equipment and hot‑spring infrastructure of hotels and inns near the epicentre is estimated at four billion yen (US$25.1 million), according to the Kumamoto Prefectural Government.
• A further two billion yen in revenue shortfall is projected for the affected tourism sector.
• Central‑eastern towns such as Uki and Hikawa were identified as the hardest‑hit areas.
• Other parts of Kumamoto Prefecture and neighboring regions experienced strong or moderate shaking.

FAQ

When did the earthquake that prompted the travel‑promotion pledge occur?

The magnitude‑7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, leading the Japanese government to pledge a travel‑promotion campaign for Kyushu to help revive the devastated tourism industry.

How much damage was estimated for hotels and inns near the epicentre?

The Kumamoto Prefectural Government estimated damage to hotel and inn buildings, equipment and hot‑spring infrastructure at four billion yen, equivalent to about US$25.1 million.

Which towns were reported as the hardest hit by the quake?

Central‑eastern towns Uki and Hikawa were singled out as the hardest‑hit areas of Kumamoto Prefecture following the magnitude‑7.1 earthquake.

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