[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] As the second year of COVID-19 unfolds, many are choosing Jeju as their summer vacation destination. In particular, there is a growing demand for luxurious five-star hotel packages as people opt for domestic travel instead of spending money on overseas trips.
According to the hotel industry on the 2nd, the recent room occupancy rate of major five-star hotels in Jeju reaches 85-90%. The industry expects occupancy rates to be nearly full during the peak summer vacation months of July and August.
Despite the typically short period between booking and visiting among domestic consumers, some places have already recorded over 90% reservation rates for July and August. One such example is the Jeju Dream Tower complex resort, which opened at the end of last year. The Grand Hyatt Jeju within the resort currently fills over 90% of its 750 operating rooms out of a total of 1,600 rooms with visitors, maintaining similar reservation rates for July and August. Due to high demand, the resort plans to open the remaining 850 rooms next month along with the casino opening.
The resort attributes this to not only the rooms but also the "one-stop hotel vacation" concept that includes packages with breakfast and dinner as well as shopping, its location just 10 minutes from Jeju Airport which differentiates it from other famous five-star hotels, and the fact that it is Jeju’s tallest building (38 floors, 169 meters), making it an ideal spot for "certification shots" with scenic views. A resort official explained, "There is high demand for staying here for one or two nights either upon arrival or before departure due to the convenient route from the airport," adding, "It has also gained popularity on social media as a 'view hotspot,' which has been effective." Successful mass sales through home shopping also contributed to the high reservation rates. Despite high prices during peak season?490,000 to 550,000 KRW per night and 920,000 to 1,040,000 KRW for two nights?the resort sold 47,100 rooms through six home shopping broadcasts.
The Grand Josun Jeju, which opened earlier this year, is also currently recording occupancy rates of about 80% on weekdays and 90% on weekends. Jeju Shilla Hotel, Lotte Hotel Jeju, Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju, and Hidden Cliff Hotel & Nature are also recording occupancy rates of 80-90%. In the case of Jeju Shilla Hotel, the peak season reservation rate for July and August exceeds 70%. The hotel stated, "Reservations for the peak season have already been completed, mainly by customers who book earlier than general customers, such as newlyweds."
The industry expects this trend to continue as domestic travel demand remains strong until the impact of COVID-19 is completely overcome. An industry official said, "With the addition of pent-up travel demand from last year, demand is concentrating on Jeju travel, which offers the most 'getaway feeling' among domestic trips," adding, "However, as Jeju has raised its social distancing level to Level 2 amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation, hotels are also maintaining vigilance without letting their guard down."
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