According to a 2019 travel trend forecast compiled by JTB, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan is expected to reach a record high of 35.5 million, and the Japanese travel market is expected to increase both domestically and overseas. (Travel News at January 1st, New Year's issue, page 2) The total number of travelers is expected to increase 1.5% from last year to 310 million. With the economy on a recovery track, the 10-day Golden Week holiday, the Rugby World Cup, and the expansion of international flights are all boosting the economy, and it is predicted that the impact of the feared consumption tax rate increase will be minor by the end of the year. The number of domestic travelers will increase 1.5% to 290 million. New facilities such as a theater-style cultural attraction facility in Osaka Castle Park and Moomin Park in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, and hotel openings such as a hotel for young people operated by Hoshino Resorts in their hometown of Karuizawa will also support the market. The number of overseas travelers will increase 1.1% to a record high of 19.1 million. The 10-day Golden Week holiday and the popularity of overseas cruises will drive the market. However, it is expected that seniors will shift to domestic travel due to the declining birthrate and aging population. The number of visitors to Japan is likely to increase due to the Rugby World Cup, the expansion of LCC routes, and the use of private lodgings.