"Out of the COVID Tunnel"... Overseas Golf Travel 'Blazing'

Reservation rates increase 3 to 4 times by travel agency
Preference for Southeast Asia and Japan
Securing airline tickets is extremely difficult

Gassan Legacy CC, Chiang Mai, Thailand
[Photo by Hanatour]

With the easing of COVID-19 quarantine measures, the 'lock' on overseas travel has been lifted, leading to a significant increase in demand for foreign golf courses. It is common for reservation rates of related products to have tripled or more across major travel agencies. As people flock to enjoy winter season golf mainly in warmer and closer regions like Japan and Southeast Asia, the competition among industry players to secure flights has become intense. In contrast, Jeju golf courses, which thrived as alternative destinations during the pandemic, are seeing a decline in golfer demand.

"Recovery to pre-COVID levels... Concentration in Southeast Asia and Japan"

According to the travel and leisure industry on the 12th, demand for overseas golf travel has rapidly increased since the second half of last year, recovering to or surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels. Modetour reported that the reservation rate for overseas golf travel departing during the winter peak season (December to January) increased by about 220% compared to the previous month (October to November). Thailand accounted for 45% of the total as the preferred destination for buyers who enjoy golf. This was followed by the Philippines at 28% and Vietnam at 10%, showing a high proportion of Southeast Asia.

Baro Travel, a golf travel specialist, saw winter overseas golf travel demand increase about fourfold compared to the same period last year. Compared to pre-COVID-19, it has recovered about 70% of its users. The region most frequently visited by those who booked through Baro Travel is Japan. In the past, Southeast Asia accounted for 70% of bookings, but now demand for Japan and Southeast Asia has become similar.

Heo I-seon, CEO of Baro Travel, explained, "Japan had travel demand blocked for over three years due to the 'NO JAPAN' movement (boycott of Japanese products) even before COVID-19. With the easing of quarantine measures, the geographical proximity advantage, and the effect of the weak yen, the number of people choosing Japan as an overseas golf travel destination has greatly increased."

Additionally, Hana Tour reported that as of November last year, demand for overseas golf travel increased by 62.9% compared to July when sales of these products officially resumed. The proportion of Southeast Asia as a destination reached 77.1%, followed by Guam and Saipan at 11.6%, and Japan at 11.4%. The company stated that demand continued to rise significantly in December and January, centered on Thailand and the Philippines.

Norang Balloon has seen the proportion of overseas golf travel sales among all products increase about threefold compared to before COVID-19, showing active demand. A Norang Balloon official said, "As demand for overseas golf travel increases, we plan to replenish staff in the golf-dedicated department, which had been downsized, and expand it into a team."

Incheon Airport Terminal 1 is bustling with travelers.
Yeongjongdo - Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

'War' for Airline Tickets... Competition for Perks

Travel agencies entice golfers by promoting scenic overseas golf courses, luxury hotels, special meals, and relaxation. They offer perks such as unlimited daily rounds of 36 holes at adjacent golf courses, room upgrades, hot springs, massages, and casinos, considering rest after exercise.

While demand is surging, securing flights is extremely difficult. This is because competition includes not only golf travelers but also general overseas tourists. Due to global inflation, including fuel surcharges, overall costs have risen, pushing airline ticket prices sky-high.

CEO Heo said, "In the past, Southeast Asia golf travel could be enjoyed for around 1 million KRW, but now even using low-cost carriers (LCCs), airfare alone costs 700,000 to 800,000 KRW, inevitably raising package prices." He added, "Overseas golf travel mainly attracts middle-aged and older customers with financial means, so demand remains steady despite the price increase."

Meanwhile, since overseas golf travel revived in the second half of last year, the number of visitors to Jeju golf courses has decreased compared to the previous year. The visitation rate of outsiders has dropped. According to the status of visitors to golf courses in the province, as of October last year, the number of visitors was 290,859, down 6.7% from 311,711 in the same period the previous year. Among them, visitors from outside the province and foreigners numbered 185,091, a 17.3% decrease from 223,812 in the same period the previous year.