TFWA releases study into Japanese travellers

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Tax Free World Association (TFWA) in association with the Japan Tourism Marketing (JTM) company has published the 2003 Japanese Traveller Study entitled 'Japanese International Travellers: Trends and Shopping Behaviour'.

Tax Free World Association (TFWA) in association with the Japan Tourism Marketing (JTM) company has published the 2003 Japanese Traveller Study entitled ?Japanese International Travellers: Trends and Shopping Behaviour'. The report gives the results of the second year of a three-year study of the shopping habits of Japanese travellers.

The report analyses passenger profiles and destination trends, projected outbound travel until 2007, spending habits and motivations, brand aspirations, challenges for retailers and other issues.

It concludes that although Japanese travel trends are sensitive to internal economic pressures and the impact of international conflict, it says that they are also becoming increasingly confident about travel. Most of those questioned had undertaken at least 10 international trips and 70% now prefer to travel independently rather than in escorted groups.

Researchers found that confectionery is still the most frequently purchased category at 67%; 42% purchase bags and leathergoods but the figure rises to 50% of female travellers, a rise over last year; 39% of passengers buy tobacco; 37% choose wines and spirits; and 35%, predominantly women, buy cosmetics. Jewellery, watches and shoes remain the hardest categories to sell in travel retail.

Complimentary copies of this in-depth report into consumer behaviour among Japanese international passengers are being sent to TFWA members. Non-members can purchase copies for 120 euros or 14,000 yen, including shipping, by downloading and completing the order form from the TFWA website www.tfwa.com.

Click here to download TFWA's executive summary of the report.