Amid the sharp decline in the number of Japanese taking overseas trips, travel agencies are opening novelty branches to lure customers.
These regionally themed branches, the travel industry hopes, will offset fears stemming from the conflict in Iraq and the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome. The new outlets are staffed with agents who specialize in a particular part of the world.
One such office is Kinki Nippon Tourist Co.'s recently opened Europe Tour Pavilion in Tokyo's Yurakucho district. The outlet specializes in tours to European countries.