The head of a group representing Japan's travel industry has called on the government to expand a travel subsidy scheme nationwide in early July.

Takahashi Hiroyuki, chairperson of the Japan Association of Travel Agents, told reporters on Thursday that the government should implement the program as early as possible to revitalize local economies.

The current program provides subsidies for trips within each prefecture and surrounding areas. The government is considering whether to expand it to cover travel anywhere in the country.

Takahashi said it would be regrettable if the nationwide scheme is postponed because it will give the impression that the spread of the coronavirus is linked to travel.