Some 570,000 Japanese Seen Traveling Abroad during Golden Week

Tokyo, April 2 (Jiji Press)–The number of people in Japan who plan to travel abroad during the upcoming Golden Week holiday period is expected to rise 8.5 pct from a year earlier to 572,000, a survey by major travel agency JTB Corp. showed Thursday. The average spending per person on overseas trips during the April 25-May 7 period is estimated at 329,000 yen, the highest figure since comparable data became available in 1996, mainly due to a weaker yen and rising prices. Meanwhile, the total number of travelers, including those taking domestic trips, is projected to increase 1.9 pct to 24.47 million. The JTB survey showed that about 80 pct of the envisaged overseas trips will be to Asian destinations, such as South Korea and Taiwan, while the United States and Europe are also likely to remain popular choices among travelers. Three-night, four-day trips were the most popular option among the respondents. Travel to China, however, is expected to plunge 47.2 pct. The number of people slated to go on domestic trips during the holiday period is forecast to increase by 1.7 pct to 23.90 million, with one-night, two-day trips being the most popular itinerary. Road trips and holidaying at parents’ or friends’ homes will likely increase. The average spending on domestic trips is seen falling 2.1 pct to 46,000 yen, the first decline in six years. Between March 6 and 11, the survey covered 2,060 people who said in a preceding survey that they would or would probably travel during the Golden Week period. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]