JAPAN. At the current pace of outbound travel growth, Japan could post a record high number of travellers in 2005, according to Travel Journal International (TJI) Online.
In the first four months of this year, the number of Japanese heading abroad reached a provisional 5,695,511, up +14.7% compared to the same period in 2004.
However, various global events such as bird flu, anti-Japanese sentiments abroad (mainly in China) and terrorism could upset current demand, TJI said.
According to the latest statistics released by the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO), April generated a provisional 1,337,000 visitors, thanks in part to the Golden Week rush for overseas travel.
Commenting on the recent Sino-Japanese crisis, TJI said: “It remains to be seen how much of an impact such sentiments will have on future travel demand to China in the coming months.
“Still, the four-month tally is ahead by +3.15% over the count in 2000, the year overseas travel set an all-time high record of 17,818,590.”
*Note: The Moodie Report works closely with Travel Journal International Online, which is the pre-eminent provider of information on the Japanese travel industry. To subscribe, please click here.
MORE STORIES ON JAPAN’S TRAVEL MARKET
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Daily flights from Japan to Saipan in jeopardy; big blow for tourism – 30/05/05
US sees +12% rise in Japanese visitors in 2005; big growth in Chinese and Indian markets – 25/05/05
Japan and Australia target sharp growth in mutual visitor numbers – 24/05/05
Golden Week fails to glitter as travel suffers from Sino-Japanese dispute – 23/05/05
Firm Yen and Centrair impact drives +16.6% surge in Japanese travel numbers in March – 09/05/05
