"Those Who Got Vaccinated~ A Hotel Vacation Awaits"

"Get Discounts on Restaurants and Rooms After Vaccination"
Over 13 Million Vaccinated, Hotel Industry's 'Vaccine Marketing' Heats Up

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] As the number of COVID-19 vaccine recipients surpassed 13 million, exceeding one-quarter of the entire population, the hotel industry’s 'vaccine marketing' has ignited. Offering food and beverage (F&B) discounts and room benefits to vaccinated customers is attracting consumers hopeful for the end of COVID-19.

◇Free Breakfast, 30% Buffet Discount

According to the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team on the 16th, as of 2:30 PM the previous day, the cumulative number of first-dose vaccinations exceeded 13 million. This corresponds to about 25.3% of the total population (51,349,116 as of December last year). The government’s goal of completing first-dose vaccinations for 13 million people by mid-year was achieved two weeks ahead of schedule. The hotel industry, which was hit hard by COVID-19, is now more optimistic than any other sector about business improvement as the vaccinated population rapidly increases. Accordingly, alongside seasonal summer vacation marketing, 'vaccine marketing' offering benefits upon vaccination is being introduced one after another.

A representative example is food and beverage discount benefits. Since these venues are more accessible compared to lodging and concerns about COVID-19 transmission are easing, it is expected that psychologically, customers will feel less burdened when using these facilities. Conrad Seoul, a Hilton hotel brand, is offering a 30% discount to vaccinated guests at its 2nd-floor buffet restaurant Zest starting today. Until July 31, from Tuesday to Friday, discounts apply to up to four people per table including the vaccinated individual. Shilla Stay’s buffet restaurant 'Cafe' also offers up to four people a 20% discounted buffet price. Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Station and Myeongdong are also planning food and beverage promotions.

Breakfast benefits, known as the highlight of 'Hokangs (hotel + vacation),' are also being offered one after another. Courtyard Marriott Seoul Times Square Hotel is running a promotion until July 11 where vaccinated guests and their companions who book 'room only' accommodations can enjoy breakfast for 100 KRW per person. This offer is valid for up to two people. At Kolon Sea Cloud Hotel in Busan, breakfast vouchers for one person are provided free of charge.

◇Room Benefits and Free Nearby Sightseeing

Room benefits are also diverse. Shilla Stay offers early check-in (12 PM) and late check-out (2 PM) benefits until July 31 to allow vaccinated customers ample rest. On the day of vaccination, users can receive up to 10,000 KRW in taxi fare support when traveling from the hospital to the hotel. A 'care kit' consisting of a cooling patch that helps relieve fever and headaches and vitamin drinks is also provided. Holiday Inn Gwangju Hotel offers a 15% discount on Best Flexible Rate (BFR) room rates for vaccinated guests until August 31.

Various free facility use vouchers are also provided. Kolon Hotel Gyeongju and Mauna Ocean Resort Gyeongju offer one free sauna use voucher and one free Cloud Spa use voucher respectively until July 31. Signiel Busan will provide free Haeundae Blueline Park beach train tickets to fully vaccinated customers from the 21st until August 31.

An industry official said, "Marketing targeting vaccinated customers has an immediate effect of attracting visitors, and by encouraging vaccination, there is an expectation that the entire industry will revive once a freer situation from COVID-19 arrives." He added, "Such marketing is expected to expand within the industry for the time being."