Expansion of Contactless Culture Due to COVID-19
Preference for 'Camping' in Summer Vacation Plans
Sales of Camping Gear Like Tents and Sleeping Bags Surge Compared to Last Year
Experts Say "Consumers Feel Economic Impact and Psychological Anxiety Due to COVID-19"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] "Is it really necessary to go far?", "I'm scared of COVID-19, so I plan to go somewhere nearby."
As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation prolongs, more people are planning to enjoy camping close to home for their summer vacations this year. With the spread of untact (contactless) culture due to COVID-19, outdoor activities with relatively less contact have gained attention.
According to a survey, as summer vacation plans became uncertain due to COVID-19, consumers have turned their attention to camping.
Market research firm Embrain Trend Monitor conducted a survey on June 10 targeting 1,000 adults aged 19 to 59 on the topics of 'summer vacation' and 'camping.' The results showed that 71.8% of all respondents answered, "Because of COVID-19, I think we should avoid crowded places."
Additionally, 7 out of 10 consumers (69.9%) said, "It seems like more people are enjoying camping these days." In particular, about half (47%) agreed with the claim that camping will be the trend this summer.
This phenomenon appears to be driven by anxiety about COVID-19 infection. People feel that quiet suburban areas are safer than popular resorts where large crowds gather all at once.
The main purpose of camping was found to be rest and stress relief. In the previous survey, those interested in camping cited the following purposes if they were to camp in the future: △healing and stress relief (79.6%, multiple responses allowed) △harmony with family and children (42.6%) △socializing with acquaintances (32.6%) △experiencing nature (31.4%).
A man in his 20s, office worker Mr. A, said, "I used to go abroad for summer vacation around this time, but I couldn't because of COVID-19. Even within the country, I was reluctant to go too far. Looking for something close and easy to enjoy, I came across camping, which is popular these days. Unlike before when camping required a lot of gear, now there are many easy-to-use and affordable products, making it more accessible," he said.
He added, "I found that camping is great because you can enjoy it alone as well as with family, lovers, or friends. I want to go to nearby nature, breathe fresh air, and cook delicious food. I will definitely go camping for this summer vacation," he added.
Interest in camping has led to increased purchases of related products. Emart announced that analyzing sales of Traders camping products from April 1 to May 14 showed that sales of camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and wagons increased by 147.6% compared to the same period last year. During the same period, barbecue product sales also rose by 90.2%.
According to an analysis of camping product sales over the past three months by online comprehensive shopping mall Interpark as of the end of last month, sales of mats and beds, camping chairs, tents, and related items increased by about 106% compared to the same period last year.
Experts analyzed that the preference for camping over travel is related to economic losses and psychological anxiety caused by COVID-19.
Professor Lee Eunhee of Inha University’s Department of Consumer Studies said, "In summer, there is a strong desire to go on vacation. Previously, people often went abroad, but COVID-19 has made that impossible. Consumers have been thinking about safe ways to enjoy themselves domestically, so camping has become popular. Also, the camping market is well supplied to meet consumer demands, so its preference is increasing," she analyzed.
She continued, "From the consumer's perspective, there is the advantage of saving vacation costs such as accommodation fees," but added, "There is a downside in that lodging businesses and others operating in travel destinations during vacation periods may suffer significant damage. This is partly due to the excessive pricing by lodging and restaurants. For the local economy, efforts are needed for these businesses to work with local governments to stabilize prices in preparation for the vacation season," she advised.
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