Rising Prices Boost Popularity of Japan and Taiwan... Home Shopping Expands Travel Packages

Lotte Homeshopping, 70% Proportion of Nearby Consultations
Shinsegae Live Shopping, Hokkaido Product Sales

As high inflation continues recently, short-distance overseas travel packages at reasonable prices to Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia have been gaining popularity.

Lotte Homeshopping is selling overseas travel package products.
[Photo by Lotte Homeshopping]

According to Lotte Homeshopping on the 24th, consultations for short-distance travel packages to Japan, Southeast Asia, and other destinations accounted for more than 70% from the 1st of last month to the 18th of this month. In particular, Japan, where the weak yen has made travel costs relatively lower, ranked first in consultation numbers. On the 10th, the Hokkaido package to Japan recorded 3,000 consultations within one hour. This is analyzed as the relatively affordable Asian region gaining popularity as a vacation destination amid ongoing high inflation.

Lotte Homeshopping will sell a 3-night, 4-day Taiwan package at 1 PM on the same day. The entire itinerary includes accommodation at 4-star hotels, Taiwanese specialty meals, and tours of popular tourist spots such as Yehliu, Jiufen, and Hualien. It features a no-tip policy with no additional charges for guides or drivers. On the same day at 6:30 PM, they will introduce a 2-night, 3-day Osaka package by Kyowon Tour, and on the 25th at 5:25 PM, a Hokkaido package to Japan will be offered.

Shinsegae Live Shopping will broadcast a 3-night, 4-day Hokkaido, Japan package at 9:20 AM on the same day. This premium itinerary includes no group shopping, optional tours, or guide fees, allowing visitors to enjoy the charming atmosphere of Otaru, the hot spring village of Jozankei, the lavender fields of Farm Tomita, Biei, Sounkyo National Park, and Sapporo. The package also includes all meals featuring local famous dishes such as king crab set meals, sushi, hamburger steak, and soup curry.

An official from the home shopping industry said, “Although this is the first summer vacation season after the endemic (periodic outbreak of infectious diseases), we are expanding short-distance overseas travel packages that are relatively affordable to ease the burden on customers planning trips amid high inflation.” They added, “We plan to continuously introduce popular travel packages preferred by customers to Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and other destinations.”