JAPAN. Travellers in their 40s lead the latest outbound traffic numbers just released by the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO).
JNTO statistics revealed that those in their 40s posted a +13.5% rise in March departures to 225,070, making them the top segment (excluding the under-nine group which posted a +15.2% rise to 39,260) in Japan in growth terms.
The 40s wave was led by male travelers, who posted a +14.8% rise within the sector. Travel Journal International Online said that part of the reason for this rising trend is the improvement of Japan’s business climate and economy, which have prompted companies to allow more business travel abroad.
But in absolute share terms for the first quarter of 2004, this age group ranks fourth with a 16.9% share after the 20s age group (22.1%), 30s group (21.4%) and 50s group (17.9%). Interestingly though, the 20s age group (830,924 travelers for the period) was behind -5.7% compared to a year ago.
Japanese travel agencies within the last year or two have begun targeting more travelers in their 40s, said TJI.
MORE STORIES ON JAPANESE TRAVEL
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New survey boosts expectations for Japanese travel in second half of 2004 – 05/07/04
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