JTB has started selling a dialog-based travel program ‘Kokotori,’ an innovative program for travelers to take back mental energy through dialogs with travel professionals, such as tour conductors or JTB staff. JTB said that psychological effects by travel could be quantified as ‘power of travel’ through the demonstration tests in 2024.
Shinichi Suzuki, professor of Waseda University who supervised the program, said of the demonstration tests targeting 71 subjects, “Although the change was not large, participants' "subjective happiness" scores increased, indicating that they were able to view their lives in a more positive light.”
An participant takes 50 minutes sessions once in a week about ‘recalling fun memories in traveling’ and ‘imaging travels you want to experience in the future,’ and discussed with travel professionals about the future lifestyles.
JTB has an idea to offer the program with private companies, local governments, medical organizations or nursing facility as partners.
