Panel issues report on enhancing 'ryokan' info for foreign tourists

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TOKYO, March 19 Kyodo -
A Japanese governmental panel has compiled a report on ways to make
Japanese-style ''ryokan'' inns more convenient and comfortable for foreign
tourists by providing various information in foreign languages and employing
online images and animation.
The outline of the report, which was presented Friday by the Japan Tourism
Agency panel, proposed that commonly used systems for accommodation and other
services at Japanese-style inns be introduced to foreigners in easily
understandable ways.
For instance, the report says that foreign visitors often face difficulties
learning about traditional bathing customs at hot springs and many believe
ryokans are expensive because they normally charge for one night stays with two
meals.
The panel emphasized the need to distribute information in foreign languages,
specifically Chinese and Korean, to boost the number of tourists from East
Asia.
''The demand among foreign tourists is potentially high for use of ryokans as a
place to experience forms of Japanese culture,'' the report said. It also urges
the government to hire foreign trainees and students living in Japan as
interpreters at the inns.
The panel also called for improvements to the system under which accommodation
facilities in Japan are registered as ''international hotels'' if they meet
certain standards, including being able to provide customer services in
English.
Hinting that the system does not sufficiently cater to the needs of foreign
tourists, the panel said a review of the standards is necessary.
==Kyodo
2010-03-19 23:06:17