As Travelers Increase, Guidebook Sales Also Rise... Europe, Japan, and Southeast Asia in Order

Interpark Books Sees 35% Increase in Travel Book Sales in First Half
Europe 49%, Japan 24%, Southeast Asia 10%

With the endemic phase and summer vacation season underway, travel books have seen an increase in sales in bookstores. According to Interpark Books, the sales volume of travel books in the first half of this year showed a 35% increase in transaction amount and a 28% increase in the number of copies sold compared to the same period last year. The publication of new travel books has also increased. The number of titles published in the first half of this year was 317, a 17% increase from 271 titles in the first half of last year.

The region with the highest sales share among travel books was Europe, accounting for 49%. The bestsellers in the travel category for the first half of the year were ▲Lens Italy (2023~2024) ▲Friends Spain Portugal (2022~2023) ▲Friends Eastern Europe ('19~'20) (Season 9), ranking first to third respectively.

Following Europe were Japan (24%), Southeast Asia (10%), domestic (8%), USA/Canada (6%), and Australia/New Zealand (3%). Including "Real Osaka (2023~2024)," which ranked 5th in the travel category bestsellers for the first half of the year, three Japanese travel books were among the top 10 bestsellers in the travel category during the first half.

2023 First Half Interpark Book Travel Category Bestseller [Provided by Interpark Book]

As travel books gain attention, Interpark Books is holding a special exhibition titled "With Just a Guidebook, Your Trip Feels Complete," recommending the latest travel books categorized by region. Until August 31, customers who leave a 100-character review or comment on the six books introduced at the top of the exhibition will be entered into a draw to win coffee coupons for 20 people. Until the end of July, benefits such as a 6% billing discount with Lotte Card, up to 3 months interest-free installment plans, daily first-come-first-served coupons worth up to 6,000 KRW, and book gift certificates are also provided.

Im Chae-uk, head of the Book Business Division at Interpark Commerce, stated, “As overseas travel demand, which had been frozen for several years, recovers, the sales of travel guidebooks that help prepare for trips systematically have increased compared to the previous year. Since many global cities have changed during the pandemic period, revised editions and new publications have been actively released,” he said.