Overseas Flights Increase 5x After Remaining Vaccine Shots Begin
Summer Vacation Plans Favor 'Secluded Private Pensions' and Short Trips Upward
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] As the peak summer vacation season approaches, travel demand is stirring. With the acceleration of COVID-19 vaccinations, expectations for the resumption of overseas travel are also rising. In response, e-commerce companies are continuously organizing travel product promotions offering significant discounts.
WEMAKEPRICE is selling overseas airline tickets for departures after the period when travel without self-quarantine became possible. This product allows customers to pay first and then select travel dates within one year based on the date when quarantine is waived between the destination country and South Korea. Currently, routes to Oceania, Southeast Asia, Greater China, and Japan can be booked at the same price without additional peak season charges.
According to WEMAKEPRICE, overseas airline ticket bookings surged by up to 5.4 times (442%) in the week following the launch of the leftover COVID-19 vaccine reservation service compared to the previous week. Since leftover vaccine reservations became available online from the 27th of last month and vaccinations increased significantly, this is interpreted as reflecting growing expectations for overseas travel. Recently, major foreign countries have allowed quarantine-free entry for vaccinated travelers, and domestic airlines are preparing to resume overseas routes in the second half of the year, leading to a sharp increase in travel demand.
As the number of visitors to Jeju continues to rise steadily, airline ticket promotions and real-time rental car services for Jeju travel products are being introduced one after another. WEMAKEPRICE’s 'Jeju Real-Time Rental Car,' launched last month, offers immediate booking without waiting for about 18,000 rental cars in Jeju, ranging from compact cars to imported vehicles. Since the start of leftover vaccine vaccinations, Jeju airline ticket bookings increased by 14%, Jeju rental car bookings by 27%, and domestic accommodation bookings such as hotels, pensions, and resorts rose by 43%.
A survey conducted by TMON also confirmed consumers' pent-up desire for travel suppressed by COVID-19. Among 650 customers surveyed from the 1st to the 6th of this month, more than half (53%) responded that they would have traveled overseas unconditionally if not for COVID-19, and 51% expressed willingness to travel abroad after vaccination if a vaccine passport is introduced.
Additionally, 61% of respondents said they plan to travel domestically, and the most desired summer vacation theme was 'private pool villas/pensions where one can enjoy peace and quiet,' with 48% selecting this option. This reflects travel psychology aiming for a safe summer vacation amid COVID-19. As for preferred destinations, Gangwon (32%) ranked first, surpassing Jeju (20%). The number of people preferring short vacations also increased, with 67% planning 3-4 day trips, followed by 24% for 2 days or less, 6% for 5-6 days, and 3% for 7 days or more.
Accordingly, TMON is holding an 'Early Summer Festival' throughout June, offering summer vacation products at special prices. One-way Jeju airline tickets, Jeju rental cars, and Jeju surfing experiences are sold at online lowest price levels. A 'Glamping vs Caravan' promotion featuring popular domestic glamping and caravan products at discounted prices has also been prepared. Anticipating a surge in overseas travel consumption due to expanded vaccinations, a 'Guam Luxury Hotel Package' is being sold at exclusive special prices. These products are available for departure once quarantine between countries is lifted, with full refunds if flights are canceled.
Interpark Tour has also established a permanent 'Frozen Travel' section on its website. The 'Frozen Travel' series offers price-frozen products available at the initial purchase price, mainly for use within one year from the official resumption of overseas travel. These products are designed to be purchased without burden, with conditions allowing refunds, cancellations, and transfers within a certain period.
They have also launched European vaccine travel products targeting vaccinated travelers. In Interpark Tour’s 'Safe Travel Guide After Vaccination' promotion, products such as 'Switzerland/Eastern Europe 5 countries 8 days,' 'Germany + Czech Republic 2 countries 8 days,' 'Eastern Europe/Balkans 5 countries 10 days,' and 'Western Europe 4 countries 10 days' are sold with free cancellation up to 7 days before departure. Small group tours like 'Switzerland Tour 8 days,' 'UK + France 7 days,' 'Western Europe 4 countries 12 days,' and 'Balkans/Eastern Europe 12 days' are also available.
An industry official said, "As full-scale vaccinations begin, pent-up travel consumption that had been stagnant is rapidly surging, known as revenge travel demand. E-commerce companies will continue to offer travel products at reasonable prices."
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