Tokushima Prefecture Launches Subsidy Program to Boost Duty-Free Shops for Businesses
Tokushima, Japan – Tokushima Prefecture is pleased to announce the commencement of applications for the [Fiscal Year 2025] “Tokushima Prefecture Duty-Free Shop Registration and Introduction Promotion Subsidy.” This initiative, officially launched on September 1, 2025, at 3:00 AM, aims to significantly bolster the tourism sector by encouraging businesses within the prefecture to register as duty-free shops and to facilitate the adoption of duty-free services.
This forward-thinking subsidy program underscores Tokushima Prefecture’s commitment to enhancing its appeal to international visitors and supporting local enterprises in capturing a larger share of the inbound tourism market. By easing the financial burden associated with the registration process and the implementation of duty-free sales systems, the prefecture seeks to empower businesses to offer a more comprehensive and attractive shopping experience for tourists.
Key Objectives of the Subsidy Program:
- Encourage Duty-Free Registration: The primary goal is to increase the number of businesses in Tokushima Prefecture that are officially registered as duty-free shops. This will allow a wider range of establishments, from local craft stores to established retailers, to offer tax-exempt purchases to eligible international travelers.
- Promote the Introduction of Duty-Free Services: Beyond registration, the subsidy is designed to support businesses in the practical aspects of introducing duty-free sales. This may include costs associated with new equipment, software, staff training, or other necessary expenditures to ensure a smooth and compliant operation of duty-free services.
- Enhance the Tourist Shopping Experience: By expanding the network of duty-free shops, Tokushima Prefecture aims to provide a more convenient and rewarding shopping environment for international visitors, thereby encouraging them to spend more time and resources within the prefecture.
- Stimulate Local Economic Growth: The influx of international tourists and their increased spending power are expected to contribute positively to the local economy, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and creating new employment opportunities.
Eligibility and Application Details:
While specific eligibility criteria and detailed application procedures will be made available on the official Tokushima Prefecture website, businesses operating within Tokushima Prefecture are strongly encouraged to explore this valuable opportunity. The prefecture is committed to providing clear guidance and support throughout the application process.
The launch of this subsidy program signifies a proactive approach by Tokushima Prefecture to leverage the growth in international travel and to position itself as a premier destination for global visitors. Businesses interested in becoming duty-free shops are urged to familiarize themselves with the program’s requirements and to take advantage of this beneficial initiative to enhance their competitiveness and contribute to the vibrant tourism landscape of Tokushima.
Further information regarding the “Tokushima Prefecture Duty-Free Shop Registration and Introduction Promotion Subsidy” can be found on the official website of Tokushima Prefecture.
【令和7年度】「徳島県免税店登録・導入促進補助金」の募集開始について
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徳島県 published ‘【令和7年度】「徳島県免税店登録・導入促進補助金」の募集開始について’ at 2025-09-01 03:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.