An industry-academic panel examining a lodging tax for Kagoshima City submitted a report on December 10 proposing a flat ¥200 per person per night, exempting school trips. The city recorded more than four million overnight stays in 2024, and the tax would generate roughly ¥800 million annually. Mayor Takao Shimozuru expressed support, saying the tax could fund new tourism initiatives. The city will refine the system and collect public feedback. The committee has met since July under Kagoshima University Professor Emeritus Koshin Ishizuka. One chamber-of-commerce member did not endorse the report, citing concerns about accounting treatment for non-statutory purpose taxes. Source: KYT
Photo: Fukuoka Now
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