According to a report by the Japan Tourism Agency, the total transaction amount for major travel agencies in April was 435,462 million yen, up 7.4% from the same month last year. Domestic travel increased 2.9% to 257,890 million yen. The increase was due in part to the lack of a three-day weekend last year. Overseas travel increased 13.8% to 149,910 million yen. In addition to continued buoyant conditions in Europe, travel departures were concentrated in the first half of Golden Week. Travel by foreigners increased 19.7% to 27,665 million yen. Transactions for MICE projects were strong. 33 of the 50 companies increased their transaction amount from the same month last year.