Japanese travel slump continues; Hawaii hardest hit

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Latest figures released by Japan Travel Bureau (JTB Corp) indicate that Japanese overseas travel bookings for the summer period (July 15 - August 31) are running 6.6% lower than the equivalent period in 2001

Almost 20% of consumers said the main reasons for their reluctance to travel were concerns over the "uncertain economic future". Semi-annual bonuses of Japanese companies are lower than last year which also depressed travel spending. But JTB said the desire to travel remains strong. Domestic holiday bookings were up 1%.

On a regional basis growth destinations were China and nearby Asian beach destinations. Indonesia, Thailand and Australia showed growth but visitors to most other Asian countries declined. North America was hardest hit with Japanese visitor numbers down 16.6% for the summer period and Hawaii down 18.8%; Guam/Saipan was down by 17.2% and Singapore by 13.3%.

JTB said the careful spending trend continued with average expenditure per overseas passenger per journey amounting to Y213,091 ($1,806), up 1.4% mainly due to the lower yen valuation but with spending on domestic trips down. Budget and independent/non-tour group travel continued to grow with discounted ticket sales up 20% and package tour sales down by the same amount on last year.