Japan hotels warned over price gouging
Japan government officials warned hotel operators not to hike room rates to unreasonable levels for Japan’s new domestic tourism scheme.
Social media comments speculated hotel operators could be price gouging.
Japanese tourism minister Saito Tetsuo said there is no evidence of that yet.
While increases may often be appropriate due to labour and energy costs, price gouging will be punished.
“So-called ‘price-gouging’ is unacceptable. It deviates from the intention of our policy which is to help create demand,” the minister said.
If unreasonable price hikes are found, the government will take firm action.
The government launched a new National Travel Discount campaign last week to boost domestic tourism.
It allocates up to ¥11,000 ($77) in discounted meals, shopping and accommodation per day.
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