Efforts to Diversify Products Gain Attention
Unique Collaborations Between Hotels Also Highlighted
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, honeymoon packages from Korea's leading luxury hotels, launched since March, have continued to remain popular as of September. As a result, the offerings have diversified, and destinations are expanding beyond Seoul and Jeju Island to include Busan, Gangneung, and other locations.
Luxury Honeymoons Are the Trend
According to the hotel industry on the 21st, Lotte Hotel Jeju's 'My Wedding Day' package has recorded a monthly sales growth rate of over 20% compared to the previous month from its launch in March through last month. This package includes benefits such as restaurant and spa vouchers for newlyweds, as well as perks for extended stays.
The 'Romantic Getaway' suite-type (Deluxe Suite Room) package at the 6-star Signiel Seoul also achieved over 50% of its sales target within just two weeks of launch. Despite its higher price compared to the Basic type (Premier Room) and Signiel Premier type (Signiel Premier Room), it achieved strong sales thanks to demand for luxury honeymoons.
According to a survey by the domestic accommodation booking platform Yanolja, the number of bookings for stays of 4 nights and 5 days or longer increased by more than 70% over July and August compared to last year. Bookings for 2 nights and 3 days rose by 32%, 1 night and 2 days by 28%, and 3 nights and 4 days by 26%. Overall domestic travel demand, including honeymoons, increased by 35% compared to the previous year.
Diversification of Honeymoon Destinations
The choice of destinations has expanded beyond the traditional Seoul and Jeju. Signiel Busan offers a 'Romantic Getaway' package featuring rooms with panoramic ocean views. This includes breakfast for two, two beers at The Lounge’s light meal service, and welcome amenities. Late checkout at 3 PM is also available.
A unique collaboration package allowing guests to enjoy both Gangneung and Seoul has also been introduced, combining two hotels with completely different concepts. Lahan Hotel Group’s Seamarq Hotel partnered with L’Escape Hotel, operated by Shilla Hotels & Resorts, to launch the 'L’Escape to Seamarq' package for honeymooners. At Seamarq Hotel in Gangneung, guests can enjoy luxury relaxation with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. At L’Escape Hotel in Seoul, guests can experience the Parisian mood in the heart of the city. Collaborations between hotels within different subsidiaries, rather than with specific designer brands or artists, are rare.
Variations have also become more diverse. Seoul Shilla Hotel, considered the pioneer of Jeju honeymoon packages, introduced a newly revamped 'Suite Honeymoon' package in May. This product was developed to meet the trend of newlyweds spending one night in Seoul on their wedding day before embarking on a long-term domestic honeymoon to other regions. It is available until the 28th and offers the advantage of a 24-hour stay from check-in time.
A Lotte Hotel representative stated, "Honeymoons at domestic hotels have recently gained attention for allowing couples to focus more on their time together without the need for extensive preparation, unlike overseas travel," adding, "Recently, more people are prioritizing quarantine measures as a top condition for accommodations."
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