Golf and Tennis... Jeju Luxury Hotels Add 'Endemic 2R' Content

Full-scale Overseas Travel Resumes, Preparing for Domestic Staycation Guest Dispersion
Part of 'Why It Must Be Jeju' Initiative, Upgrading and Diversifying Hotel Facilities
Adding Activities Like Golf and Tennis to Existing Staycations
Expanding and Segmenting Golf and Tennis to Offer Targeted Packages

Parnas Hotel Jeju, 'All-in-One Golf Package' (Photo by Parnas Hotel Jeju).

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] Jeju luxury hotels are focusing on programs that add activity content such as golf and tennis to the existing staycation experience, targeting the first half of next year. As the endemic (periodic outbreak of infectious diseases) situation enters its second round and domestic staycation guests are dispersed due to the resumption of overseas travel, hotels are launching products that link “another reason to visit Jeju hotels” with staycations. Golf and tennis, which saw a surge in participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, are now expanding their base and segmenting, leading to target-specific packages.

According to the hotel industry on the 13th, Parnas Hotel Jeju is operating an “All-in-One Golf Package” until June 30 next year. This product, jointly planned with Elysian Jeju CC, includes 36 holes of golf rounding as part of the staycation. Opened in July, Parnas Hotel Jeju is popular for its 110m-long outdoor infinity pool?the longest in domestic hotels?and a breakfast buffet featuring menus using Jeju ingredients. The hotel’s strategy is to attract customers by linking a 36-hole golf rounding reservation, which includes 18 holes on the public course and 18 holes on the members-only course at Elysian Jeju CC, with a staycation for four people at the newly opened “new 5-star hotel.”

The staycation includes a room, the “Confetti” breakfast buffet, and a Glenlivet 12-year whiskey after-party at the lounge bar. The package also covers green fees and cart fees, and provides round-trip pickup and sending services between Parnas Hotel Jeju and Elysian Jeju CC. The target customers are those who want easy reservations, comfortable golf travel, and premium services.

Haevichi Hotel & Resort has launched a premium package called the “2023 Private Golf Package” for the first half of next year, allowing guests to enjoy golf rounds at Haevichi Country Club Jeju along with a staycation. The product is based on a two-night stay and includes 36 or 54 holes of golf rounds at Haevichi Country Club Jeju. Guests can experience both the members-only 18-hole course and the non-members 18-hole course. A professional photographer accompanies the round for one hour to take commemorative photos. The “Carnival Limousine Service” is also provided for transfers between the airport, golf course, and hotel. Haevichi also operates the “Delight Golf Life Package” for those seeking a more affordable golf trip. This package’s sales from January to October this year increased by 21% compared to the same period last year.

Staycations linked not only with golf but also with tennis are being introduced. Lotte Hotel Jeju opened a tennis court on the 8th floor outdoor fitness club after a year of preparation in September, attracting the interest of staycation guests. In the process of expanding hotel facilities to enjoy amid the endemic, the “pastel-tone court” was created in response to the tennis craze among the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z). Lotte Hotel Jeju’s tennis court consists of two international standard pink hard courts. Guests can enjoy tennis while admiring the Jeju sea beyond the courts. The usage fee for two hours is applied differently for hotel guests, fitness members, and general users. Rackets and balls are available for free rental.

An industry insider said, “In the early days of COVID-19, just traveling to Jeju was enough, but now that there are more options after the endemic, there needs to be a reason to specifically visit here.” He added, “Jeju luxury hotels will upgrade and diversify their in-hotel facilities while expanding programs linked with activities such as golf, tennis, and trekking.”

Lotte Hotel Jeju, outdoor tennis court (Photo by Lotte Hotel Jeju).