Not Only Families but Also Singles Visit Hotels During Holiday Break
Hotel Marina Bay Seoul Sees 22% Increase in Seolcance Package Sales
Lotte and Shilla Expect About 10% Growth Compared to Last Year
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] Kim Soyoon (29), who lives in Seoul, chose a "ho-cance" (hotel + vacation) instead of going to her hometown this Lunar New Year. Since the holiday is short, she thought it would be better to rest at a hotel where she could have her own time rather than endure uncomfortable family gatherings. She said, "Since it's a rare holiday, I want to focus on my own time rather than suffer from holiday syndrome," adding, "Hotels are even better because you can conveniently use everything from breakfast to the fitness center and swimming pool in one place."
As more customers prefer domestic travel due to the shortened holiday compared to previous years, the so-called "Seol-cance" (Seollal + vacation) at domestic hotels is gaining even more popularity. This phenomenon has emerged as more people want to enjoy cozy family time at hotels that provide breakfast and various amenities, avoiding holiday stress. Recently, not only families but also young singles who want to avoid uncomfortable holiday gatherings are visiting hotels. The hotel industry is welcoming customers with various packages and promotions specifically for the Lunar New Year holiday, and reservation rates are also on the rise.
According to the hotel industry on the 22nd, the reservation rate for the Lunar New Year holiday package at Hotel Marina Bay Seoul recently increased by about 22% compared to the same period last year. Word of mouth as a holiday ho-cance spot spread through reviews from customers who visited during last year's Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays, attracting more customers than before. Hotel Marina Bay Seoul is highly rated by family customers as it features a kids-only space called Kids Zone, a game zone, and character rooms with various themes that stimulate children's imagination. The rooftop infinity pool, Sky Pool, famous for its open ocean view, continues to be popular in winter by providing heated water and heating.
The "Fatigue Recovery Package" created by Hotel Marina Bay Seoul for the Lunar New Year holiday includes a Superior Double or Superior Family Twin room, breakfast for two, and late check-out benefits. It also offers one set of Bodybogam EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) low-frequency mini massager and one pouch of Hong Sam Won Gold to help relieve accumulated holiday fatigue at once. A representative from Hotel Marina Bay Seoul said, "As ho-cance during the holiday becomes more common, the number of customers visiting Hotel Marina Bay Seoul is increasing," adding, "We have various amenities that families can enjoy together, which is well received by customers."
Lotte Hotel and Shilla Hotel also reported that reservations this year have increased by about 10% compared to last year. Representatives from these hotels explained, "Since the Lunar New Year holiday is short, more customers are expected to visit hotels this year, increasing by about 10%," adding, "There are cases of reservations being made even the day before or on the day of the holiday, so expectations are high."
Lotte Hotel Busan is selling the "2020 Lunar New Year" package starting at 240,000 KRW, which includes one night in a Deluxe Room, breakfast for two, and a global brand Aesop body oil. Lotte Hotel World operates the "New Year's Greeting" package, which includes one night in a Deluxe Room available during the holiday, one set of Yutnori (traditional Korean board game), and one lucky pouch per room. The lucky pouches randomly contain hotel gift certificates worth 10,000, 20,000, or 30,000 KRW.
Shilla Hotel is also attracting attention with a unique event package. The "Holiday Winery" event at Seoul Shilla Hotel, featuring a five-member popera performance and over ten types of wine, will be held every evening from 7 PM for two hours during the Lunar New Year holiday from the 24th to the 26th.
Seoul Westin Chosun is operating the "Sparkling Holiday" Lunar New Year package, which offers sparkling wine and finger foods. InterContinental Seoul COEX in Samseong-dong is selling the "Wow 2020" package, which includes breakfast for two at the buffet restaurant, two movie tickets for Megabox COEX, and a 15,000 KRW voucher for The Boutique Cafe.
On Gmarket, hotel package sales have increased by 4% compared to the same period last year over the past week. It is expected that package sales will continue even on the holiday itself, and sales volume will increase further after the holiday. A hotel industry official said, "Many hotels are continuously launching holiday packages highlighting the strengths of various amenities, which means there is high demand," adding, "Now, holiday packages have become products that must be offered."
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