Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
After the hype of the idea of going to Japan for Free, and for some odd reason, our own post titled: “Japan May Let in 10,000 Tourist for Free” got tons of views and tons of comments asking us to choose them to go on this trip. We’re not in charge! It appears that the entire program isn’t happening. According to a released statement: “We realise that this announcement is going to disappoint thousands of people around the world, but we hope people will understand how insensitive it would appear for the Japanese Government to give people free flights to Japan when the cities, towns and villages devastated by the tsunami are still in desperate need of funding for reconstruction.” (seejapan – 10,000 won’t be going)
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It’s not that some might reach in a few days, it’s that it can increase tourism from Japan. The article from the National Post mentions, “The Japanese have immense respect for belongings such as fishing boats, said Mr. Ebbesmeyer, predicting an influx of Japanese tourists coming to B.C. to see the washed-up debris.” We’re not sure if that’s true at all, but for those who’ve lost, sure, but it’s hardly fun tourism. It’s more of a memorial as is the WTC site. (National Post – Tsunami Debris)
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Tourism. Bring it. From a small business perspective, it’s important. It does make a difference. Open some flood gates. Yes, it’s a problem with emigration and safety but it’s fine for other countries like Japan, etc. In China, there are only 5 places for the entire population to get a visa and the wait time is a 120 days! According to ABC news, “In the last decade, the U.S. lost out on 78 million overseas visitors — that’s $606 billion in spending — in stores, malls, tourist destinations right here in America. Enough to add nearly half a million jobs every year.” (ABC – Tourism) There’s a lot of ramifications with opening some flood gates, but the short term could use it. The long term can be problematic.
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Mining is some provinces are ruining The Great Wall of China. Yes, the wall is super long. Longer than what’s really ever looked at. It could be a tourist trap someday nearly everywhere, when trips to China become easy and inexpensive. It is a huge place. However for now, their number one tourist trap is being ruined by miners who want that quick dollar. If it’s going to get that messed up, why not just sell pieces. The Wall police will surely not catch anyone. Here’s some ideas who who to sell to. 1) 6 Flags. Make a theme park around it. Great Wall Rides, Burgers, rickshaw rides, and costumed peasants will round this out into a great experience. 2) Rich Baller. Yes, in a living room, imagine a ten foot span of The Great Wall of China in a living room. That would be a conversation piece . 3) Tourists. Break off tiny pieces and package it as piece of The Great Wall. Price at $20 each so it can be haggled down to $10. 4) Museums. American Museum of Natural History. The big one of them all. They should do what’s happened in the history of plundering and buy this chunk from the locals. If not, just steal it, ala The British Museum has. They might need to return it one day after more haggling. 5) Chinese Medicine Companies. Surely The Great Wall itself has to have some medicinal qualities of long life or keeping evil spirits away. Drink bits of it and live longer. “Increase the Chi with The Great Wall”. (Reuters – The Destruction of The Great Wall of China) That’s an untouristy portion of The Great Wall I shot in 2008.
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It’s not finalized yet, but it’s possible that you can apply and you can get a free ticket to Japan, supposedly the tourist board will ask for 150 million dollars in funding. This is the site in Japanese. “The objective is to have the 10,000 tourists discuss their experiences online, and allow word-of-mouth reports to propagate about safe and hassle-free travel in Japan. Visitors will also fill out a questionnaire about how they feel about visiting Japan after the earthquake and any proposals they might have to renew interest in tourism. The Ministry will request $150 million in funding for this program.” (Yahoo – 10,000) (Aya.shii.org – 10,000)
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