Hawaii top destination for Japanese newlyweds

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Hawaii was again the most popular destination for Japanese honeymooners this autumn, according to a report by leading tour operator JTB Corp

For the first time, Europe rose to second place in the rankings, followed by Australia, which has increased its market share over the past two years as fewer newlyweds travelled to the US mainland. And for the first time in 12 years, expenditure per couple showed an increase, with average spending per honeymoon reaching Y526,000 ($4,243).

JTB reported that Japanese couples had mostly shed last year's reluctance to visit Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. Within Europe, Italy was the most popular destination, attracting increasing numbers of high-spending couples especially keen to visit during the run-up to Christmas. In Australia, Sydney and the Gold Coast welcomed large numbers of couples, with the eastern seaboard accounting for 80% of visits to the country.

According to JTB, emerging destinations included the Maldives and Tahiti. Tahiti's popularity among newlyweds rose sharply in 2002, while the Maldives was ranked in the top 20 destinations for the first time.