Of course, those involved in the tourism industry are no exception. Even though restrictions have been put in place and many places have been forced to close, some tourist destinations continue to promote the wonders of tourism and travel, hoping that people will travel again someday.
Let's take a look at some of the efforts being made in various countries around the world. (Information current as of June 15, 2020. Will be updated as necessary.)
*The thumbnail image for this article is taken from the official Swiss Tourism YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/user/myswitzerland/
“Dream Now, Travel Later” A message from Switzerland Tourism
As of April 6, over 20,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 in Switzerland, one of Europe's tourism-dependent countries. As entry restrictions continue and the tourism industry takes a hit, the Swiss National Tourist Board has released a video with the message "Dream now, travel later."
Dream now - travel later
www.youtube.comAlong with the simple message, "Stay safe. Stay home. Just for awhile. But let us inspire you. To welcome you back soon," the video is edited with footage filled with beautiful Swiss scenery and the smiles of travelers.
If we can contain this virus, we will be able to travel again. For that reason, let's stay home for now. "Dream Now, Travel Later." It's a heartwarming message that encourages us to travel again someday.
"Greece at home" project
Greece, another European tourism-dependent country, has also released a video titled "#Greecefromhome."
Along with the message, "It's time to stay at home and hit the pause button. But that doesn't mean we have to stop connecting, being inspired and learning – maybe more now than ever before," the campaign is providing information on content that allows people to experience the charm of Greece from home.
#Greecefromhome
youtu.beAnd if you search "#greecefromhome" on YouTube, you'll find videos by creators and ordinary people living in Greece that show what Greece is like today and what its charms are, and the number of videos is increasing day by day. In addition, the official blog of the tourist bureau features articles on Greek food recipes and information on films that allow you to experience the charms of Greece. None of these are available in Japanese, but you can check them out using translation software and feel the feelings of the Greek people to make you feel positive.
#greecefromhome videos
Greek Tourist Board Blog Post
Now is the time to show the aloha spirit: Hawaii Tourism Board appeals
Our beloved Hawaii is also facing a serious tourism industry crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Hawaii Tourism Authority has released a video message encouraging people to stay positive and overcome these difficulties with the Aloha Spirit.
Hawaii Tourism Board Share Aloha ~Message from the State of Hawaii~
youtu.beThe video description reads as follows in Japanese:
"Aloha" means more than just greetings. Love. Bonds. These are all things we need in this world. We can't welcome you to Hawaii right now, but the day will surely come when we can meet again. Let's believe in that time and share it. The feeling of "aloha".
In addition, the official website is offering a program called "Supporting those staying at home: Hawaii at Home," which offers online content in six categories: "Virtual Hawaii," "Relaxing Hawaii," "Learn about Hawaii," "Hawaii through music," "Hawaii through movies," and "Hawaii for reading."
I'm sure there are many people who were planning to visit Hawaii during spring break or Golden Week. I hope you will visit the site and support Hawaii with the Aloha spirit until the restrictions on going out are lifted and you can soak up the Hawaiian sunshine.
An attempt to enjoy tourist destinations around the world online
Museums and commercial facilities have also been forced to close, so we would like to introduce some ways to enjoy art and entertainment at home.
Strict restrictions on going out continue in New York. Unfortunately, all theaters on Broadway, the center of live entertainment such as musicals, plays, and comedies, are also closed. In the midst of this, an initiative has been launched in which top stars in the entertainment world gather together to perform short performances called "Living Room Concerts" every day, featuring songs and plays.
Source: Broadway World (https://www.broadwayworld.com/topic/LIVING-ROOM-CONCERTS)
www.broadwayworld.comThe online live performance, which will be released on the theater news website "Broadway World," will feature a luxurious lineup of active Broadway actors, including actress Katherine Gallagher from the musical "Jagged Little Pill" (based on Alanis Morissette's mega-hit album), which has been showing since December 2019, and Andrew Barth Feldman from "Dear Evan Hansen" (a masterpiece musical that won six awards, including Best Musical, at the 71st Tony Awards). It will be a special entertainment experience that you can't normally see.
You can check out the LIVING ROOM CONCERTS on this media.
One of the attractions of sightseeing in New York is watching opera. However, the MET (Metropolitan Opera) is currently closed. All performances have been canceled. Meanwhile, the MET started a live streaming service on March 16th. Past opera performances are streamed for free every night from 7:30 pm (8:30 am Japan time). The works can be viewed for 23 hours from the start of streaming, and a "day's only" performance is released every day, so you can't miss it. In addition to the website, you can also watch it on an app for iPhone and Android.
Various digital content being sent out from Australia
The Sydney Biennale 2020 was a major tourist attraction in Sydney, Australia this year. The 22nd Biennale was titled "NIRIN" in the indigenous Wiradjuri language, and features works and information on the relationship between modern society and indigenous people, as well as culture, exchange, and social issues.
Although the exhibition was held on March 14, it has been temporarily closed to the public due to the impact of COVID-19. The organizers have therefore begun various efforts to allow people to experience the works online. They continue to use tools such as Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube to present the works and their messages, including graphics, audio, and video. They are also considering publishing the works on Google Arts & Culture. If you are planning to visit Sydney, Australia, be sure to check it out.
*For the latest information on online activities, click here
This video, produced by the government tourism bureau of New South Wales (state capital: Sydney), introduces many of the state's attractions, including Sydney itself. Take a look at the beautiful scenery of this area, which is known for its natural surroundings, such as the sea and zoos.
Love Sydney & New South Wales
youtu.beAdditionally, facilities across the state are proactively disseminating information.
The Sydney Opera House, a World Heritage Site, currently publishes a variety of content including articles, videos, and podcasts.
Sydney Opera House
Taronga Zoo Sydney broadcasts video content called "Taronga TV."
Taronga TV
You can enjoy shows by seals and birds, and watch the elephants and tigers being kept up to date by streaming cameras installed throughout the zoo. The lively appearance of the animals is sure to lift your spirits.
Google Arts & Culture lets you virtually experience art from around the world
"Google Arts & Culture" is a virtual museum app provided by Google that was significantly renewed in 2016 and has become a hot topic (it can also be enjoyed on a web browser). You can search for artworks, documents, cultural heritage, etc. held by art museums and museums around the world and appreciate their richly detailed expressions.
From blockbuster institutions like MoMA and the British Museum to up-and-coming art galleries, you can enjoy over 2,000 institutions, 6,000 artists, and over 6 million photographs, videos, documents, and other artistic, cultural, and historical documents.
Another attraction is that you can enjoy a richer art experience than being in person, such as virtual tours with super-high resolution images of famous works and 360° images taken inside museums and other buildings by the Street View Trolley. Make a list of museums you want to go to and works you want to see for the day you can travel again.
Google Arts & Culture
Harry Potter novel reading movie by star-studded cast released
J.K. Rowling, the British author of "Harry Potter," has launched "Harry Potter At Home" for fans who are forced to stay home due to the spread of coronavirus.
J.K. Rowling on Twitter
twitter.comIn addition, the right to use the reading videos from the first to seventh volumes of the Harry Potter novel series has been lifted. On her Twitter, she has sent out a message to teachers and parents saying, "I hope this will be useful for children."
One video that has attracted the most attention is one in which famous British people read each chapter of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."
Harry Potter at Home | Wizarding World
youtu.beThe first episode will be hosted by Daniel Radcliffe, who played the main character. Eddie Redmayne, star of Fantastic Beasts, and Beckham are scheduled to join in afterwards. It looks like you can enjoy your time at home while also studying English at the same time.
Message from the German National Tourist Board: "Dream Now – Visit Later"
The German National Tourist Board has released a video expressing their message that "one day dreams will become reality." It is a beautiful work in which sketches are transformed into live-action images, with the message that "even if self-restraint on going out continues, you can go anywhere if you use your imagination."
Dream Now - Visit Later #DiscoverGermanyFromHome
youtu.beThe German National Tourist Board is also actively posting information on its official Japanese Twitter account. Currently, they are posting a steady stream of virtual tour content.
German National Tourist Board (@GermanyTravelJP) | Twitter
https://twitter.com/GermanyTravelJP
One of the highlights is the 3D image of the "World's Most Beautiful Milk Shop." This is a Guinness-certified store that actually exists in Dresden, and its palace-like decoration is so beautiful that you can't help but stare at it. As you become engrossed in the high-definition 3D content, you will feel like you are traveling.
Explore Virtual Landgang - Pfunds Molkerei Dresden in 3D
my.matterport.comProviding content that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home from tourist destinations across Japan
While many facilities in Japan have been forced to close, there are some places that have made thoughtful arrangements for fans who are looking forward to visiting again. Here are some of them.
Ueno Zoo releases soothing panda video on its official Twitter account
Ueno Zoo is also currently closed for the time being. Its official Twitter account (@UenoZooGardens) has been a hot topic. The account has been posting photos and videos of animals every day, and is actively posting updates on the animals even during the zoo's closure. Particularly popular is "#DayPan," which showcases the pandas' activities. You can enjoy the daily lives of adorable pandas every day, which is very soothing. Please enjoy the wonderful posts that will make you want to visit again.
Ueno Zoo Official Twitter
![Image: Ueno Zoo [Official] on Twitter twitter.com](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2020/04/20/4955460f65fda7da1d6d0b822b2ec4004bbab146_xlarge.jpg)
Ueno Zoo [Official] on Twitter
twitter.comAkita dogs also bring healing to YouTube
OnTrip JAL also covered and introduced Akita Inu no Sato, a tourist facility in Akita Prefecture. This facility is also currently temporarily closed, so we are unable to meet the cute Akita dogs for a while. Therefore, on their official YouTube channel, they have posted a video titled "Today's Akita Dog" that shows the daily life of the Akita dogs that belong to the facility. There is no doubt that you will be soothed by the simple videos of the dogs playing with the staff and eating their meals happily.
Akita Dog Interaction Team in Akita Dog Village "Today's Akita Dog"
![Image: [Today's Akita Dog] Yura-chan www.youtube.com](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2020/04/20/42292ef868dc49fb92bf63cf706f99def9483876_xlarge.jpg)
[Today's Akita dog] Yura-chan
www.youtube.comAkita Inu no Sato Official Website
Related article
"Stay Home, Feel Kyoto" A message from Kyoto to the world
The Kyoto City Tourism Association has launched the "Stay Home, Feel Kyoto Campaign" with the hope that people will "experience the charm of Kyoto from the comfort of their own homes and gain healing and vitality." The campaign provides information in both Japanese and English to Kyoto fans around the world.
![Image: Stay Home, Feel Kyoto Campaign | [Official Kyoto City] Kyoto Tourism Navi](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2020/05/22/35c12b5b4e311effc35b502a5b22d6dea647c9bb.jpg)
The five pieces of content currently available are: "Zazen at Home - Tutorial Edition - by Myoshinji Taizoin," "Messages from people in various industries in Kyoto to Kyoto fans around the world," "Backgrounds for video calls," "Preparing for KYOTO," and "Japanese cuisine to enjoy at home by Kyoto's renowned chefs."
"Video Call Backgrounds" is an intriguing piece of content created to suit the current times when online meetings and drinking parties are on the rise. If you set a beautiful view of Kyoto as the background image, it's sure to become a topic of conversation with participants. (Distribution period: until May 31st)
![Image: Stay Home, Feel Kyoto Campaign | Background for video calls | [Official Kyoto City] Kyoto Tourism Navi](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2020/05/22/7843e1a1d037782bb04772dc3be0f5161ec9ba84_xlarge.jpg)
Dreaming of the day we can travel again
The COVID-19 pandemic continues with no end in sight. As we spend our time at home feeling anxious about the uncertain future, remembering the fun and excitement of travel and sightseeing can be a great way to refresh yourself. Our editorial team will continue to introduce the efforts being made in tourist destinations around the country.
Even though we can't travel now, we will continue to spread the word about the wonder and appeal of travel in as positive a manner as possible, so that we can travel again someday.
Dream Now, Travel Later!
#DreamingOfTravel #STAYHOME
*This article was originally posted on April 21, 2020, and has been updated with the latest information as of June 15, 2020.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
