Reservations have been launched for government-subsidized trips to the earthquake-affected Hokuriku region, with up to a 50% discount offered for accommodation and travel packages.

On Tuesday, reservations for subsidized trips to Ishikawa Prefecture began, following the start of those for Toyama, Niigata and Fukui prefectures last Friday, as part of the first leg of the promotional campaign, which covers trips between this Saturday and Apr. 26.

The tourism agency launched the discount campaign — available for both domestic and foreign travelers — as a way to support and revitalize the tourism industry in the region, which has suffered significant losses due to cancellations and a decrease in tourists following the Noto earthquake on Jan. 1.

“Cancellations continue, and in order to prevent reputational damage at an early stage we hope (the campaign) will revitalize waning interest in travel to the four prefectures of the Hokuriku area,” tourism minister Tetsuo Saito said at a news conference Friday. “If the entire region of Hokuriku regains its energy, that will help restore and revitalize Noto.”

The Tourism Agency is providing the subsidies to the four prefectural governments, which will then make up the difference in pricing to hotel operators and travel agencies.

Here is how to take advantage of the campaign:

How can I make reservations using the discount?

Reservations can be made through travel booking websites, such as Rakuten Travel, Ikyu and Jalan; travel agencies; or directly through the accommodation facility’s website.

The discounts will apply for accommodations and travel companies that have partnered with the campaign in Ishikawa, Toyama, Niigata and Fukui prefectures. The list can be found on the campaign website for each of the prefectures.

In Ishikawa, for example, as of Tuesday, there were 260 hotels across the prefecture and 56 local travel agencies — in addition to 18 major national ones — that were offering discounts. Reservations for most hotels have begun already, while those yet to do so will open up throughout the month as the establishments complete their preparations for the campaign.

The Ishikawa Prefectural Government plans to hold an additional campaign period later this year. That is currently expected to begin sometime after the Golden Week holiday, which ends May 6.

However, the discount packages won’t be available once all of the subsidies have been used up. As of Tuesday, the discount had already run out in many areas, so travelers are recommended to make bookings as early as possible.

How much discount will I receive?

The campaign offers a 50% discount per person for accommodation or a travel package, up to a predetermined cap based on the type of booking.

The set amount per person depends on the various plans offered: ¥20,000 ($135) for just accommodation bookings, ¥20,000 for travel packages with a one-night stay, ¥30,000 for travel packages with an over two-night stay and ¥35,000 for travel packages that include visits to at least two out of the four prefectures involved in the campaign.