Almost half of international air tickets sold here in 2012 were bought by women in their 20s and 30s, according to figures from a travel agency.

According to online travel agency Interpark Tour’s analysis of outbound flight ticket sales last year, female customers accounted for 54.4 percent. Women in their 20s took 23.2 percent followed by those in their 30s 22.6 percent.

On the other hand, overseas trips were bought more often by men in their 30s than those in their 20s. Thirty-somethings marked 19.4 percent but those in their 20s took 11.2 percent of the total.

“While women tend to stay inbound when they are married and are bound to homemaking and childrearing as they grow older, men enjoy an increasing amount of social activities guaranteeing them more overseas traveling opportunities,” the agency said.

The most popular destination was Tokyo, chosen by 12.6 percent of the ticket buyers. Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai and Osaka followed. Among European cities, London and Paris were most favored. In the U.S., Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco were among the list of 20 most popular destinations.

“Because working people cannot spare too much time for holidays they tend to choose closer spots,” Interpark Tour said.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)