[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] With ongoing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the contactless (untact) Chuseok trend is expected to dominate again this year, prompting the hotel industry to roll out 'Chukangseu (Chuseok + vacation)' packages focused on safety one after another.
According to a recent survey on 'Chuseok homecoming plans' conducted by Saramin targeting 1,705 office workers, 51.9% said they do not plan to return to their hometowns. The main reason for not returning was 'concerns about infection due to the resurgence of COVID-19' (65%, multiple responses), and the most common holiday plan was 'staying home and resting' (73.1%, multiple responses).
Paradise City launched the 'Hangawi in Paradise' package promoting a safe Chukangseu. Considering social distancing, breakfast is served in the large banquet hall, the Grand Ballroom, and events such as giveaways including accommodation vouchers are conducted contactlessly. To emphasize safety, the hotel highlights its acquisition of the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) 'Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Certification' and Forbes Travel Guide's 'Verified Health Security Certification.' Reservations are available until the 21st, and the package can be used during the Chuseok holiday (18th?21st).
Paradise Hotel Busan is offering a limited number of 'Lounge Promotion' packages on a first-come, first-served basis. It includes two adult tickets to 'Lounge Paradise,' where guests can enjoy dining menus while overlooking Haeundae Beach and the beach garden. Private check-in and check-out services are also provided. Benefits include all-day access to the outdoor hot spring 'Cimer' and 'Ocean Spa Pool,' as well as use of the 'Kids Village' featuring BMW Kids Driving and Hava Kids Lounge. The package is available until the 31st of next month.
The Shilla Seoul Hotel introduced the 'Gourmet Holiday' Chuseok package. It features a Western course menu packed as a lunchbox to enjoy in the room, called the 'Gourmet In-Room Set,' along with wine. A 'virtual concert' video in collaboration with Universal Music Korea is also provided. Guests can access a YouTube URL sent via mobile at check-in to watch about 40 minutes of performances by top-tier musicians. This package is available for four days only, from the 18th to the 21st.
The Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas launched the 'Hotel-cock Cinema Package.' Guests can enjoy OTT services on smart TVs of 55 inches or larger installed in all rooms. A limited edition CGV 4DX Oxford Block set, recreating the interior of a theater, is given as a gift. CGV popcorn in two varieties and two glasses of InterContinental signature craft beer are available as to-go services. This package will be sold until the end of October.
Walkerhill Hotel & Resort's 'The Douglas House' introduced the gourmet travel concept 'Autumn in Douglas' package. It includes a stay in the Douglas Deluxe Room, designed to resemble a cabin, and access to the Douglas Lounge. 'Autumn in Douglas I' offers a dessert set from the lobby lounge The Pavilion, while 'Autumn in Douglas II' provides a combination pizza from Pizza Hill as a room takeout. The package is available until November 30.
Kolon Group resorts and hotels will offer two types of 'Autumn Holiday' packages from the 17th to the 25th. Traditional folk game experience sets and DIY kits are provided for enjoyment in the room. The 'Moya? Yut-iya!' package includes a one-night stay and a Yutnori (traditional Korean board game) set, available at Gyeongju Kolon Hotel, Mauna Ocean Resort, Busan Kolon Sea Cloud Hotel, and Seoul Hotel Poco Seongsu. The 'Light the Lantern' package, which offers a DIY Hanji lantern kit and two cups of coffee, is available at three hotels and resorts excluding Hotel Poco Seongsu, where traditional craft experiences are possible.
Mayfield Hotel Seoul will offer the 'Moonlight Walk' package from the 17th to the 22nd, allowing guests to make wishes toward the full moon while enjoying holiday food and boosting immunity with health supplements. It includes a one-night stay in a Superior Room and breakfast for two at Castle Terrace. As a gift, the package offers 'Manuka Honey Lavender Ice Cream,' a dessert featuring Ben & Jerry's ice cream decorated with lavender and paired with Manuka honey, 'Manuka UMF 8+' from Manuka Honey Purity with 100 years of beekeeping experience in New Zealand, and the 'Pure Gold Manuka Mask UMF 25+'.
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