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Comments from JNTO TIC Visitor's Book
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TIC certification program
All category 1 to 3 tourist information offices display Description of categories this symbol
To make the environment even more welcoming for visitors from overseas, JNTO and the Japan Tourism Agency started a new TIC (Tourist Information Center) certification program in 2012 and approved over 342 qualified tourist information centers throughout Japan. (As of March 2013)
The certification program divides tourist information providers into three categories based on function and includes a three-year renewal program to promote excellence and world class customer service.
Description of categories
Here are the major requirements to qualify for each category.
| Services and Facilities | Category | Partner | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Coverage Area | As non-tourism facility, these facilities are ready for assisting foreign tourists with local information without any commercial or beneficial purpose. Even with no full-time staff with foreign language, these facilities willingly provide assistance in minimal English. | |||
| All over Japan |  |
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| Neighboring prefectures | |
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| Within the city /prefecture | |
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| Language | ||||
| Service is available in English, Chinese and Korean on full time | |
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| English-speaking staff is on duty on full-time | |
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| No full-time staff with foreign languages on duty, however, service is available in minimal English and other languages may be available | |
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| Days of operation | ||||
| Open year around | |
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| Open more than 240 days/year including either Saturdays or Sundays | |
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| Open more than 240 days/year | |
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| Internet PC and Wi-Fi | ||||
| Available on site | |
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