The regional program of Gunma, known as 'Gunma Passport', is experiencing a surge in applications recently. The initiative is aimed at encouraging locals and tourists to explore more of the Gunma Prefecture in Japan. The sudden influx of applications has put pressure on officials to handle the unexpected popularity. However, the reason behind the surge is still unclear at this stage.

In Japan, local touring programs like Gunma Passport play an important role in boosting the local economy and promoting tourism. Japan's society values the preservation and promotion of local culture and heritage, hence such initiatives are often welcomed with great interest, as seen by the number of applications.

In the US, similar local touring programs are implemented in different states and counties. Although they're popular too, usually, they don't witness such overwhelming response in a short span of time. In Europe, tourism passports are also a way to stimulate local tourism in regions apart from the traditional circuit known to foreigners.