"Planning is a hassle" Young people flock to 'package tours' their parents used to take [Cheongchun Report]

'Package Travel' Once Exclusive to Middle-Aged and Older Generations
Now Gaining Attention Among MZ Generation
Interest Rises as Demand for 'Safe Travel' Increases

Recently, the younger generation has also been paying attention to 'package tours,' which were traditionally considered the domain of middle-aged and older adults. Initially, people in their 20s and 30s preferred independent travel that did not require following a travel agency's fixed itinerary. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for 'safe and comfortable travel' has increased, and as it has been a long time since many have traveled abroad, the desire to enjoy the trip properly has spread, leading to a rise in the preference for package tours. In response, travel agencies are introducing various package products targeted at younger travelers.

As Overseas Travelers Increase, Interest in 'Package Tours' Rises

[Image source=Pixabay]

The number of travelers hitting the road has been increasing recently. According to aviation statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, last month, the total number of passengers on domestic airlines was 7,420,953 (2,907,903 domestic passengers and 4,513,050 international passengers), recovering to 95.4% of the level in October 2019 (7,776,064 passengers). Domestic passengers recovered to 96% and international passengers to 95.1% compared to the same period in 2019.

In particular, the number of passengers on domestic airlines last month was not only the highest monthly figure this year but also showed the highest recovery rate compared to four years ago. The recovery in passenger numbers was attributed to the prolonged trend of the Japanese yen depreciation (yen weakness) and the popularity of routes to Japan.

As demand for overseas travel continues, interest in package tours is also rising. Until now, the main customers for package products were middle-aged and older adults in their 40s and 50s. Since travelers did not need to plan their own trips or arrange separate transportation, package tours were widely perceived as 'filial piety tourism products.'

On the other hand, younger people tended to prefer independent travel that allowed them to travel freely as they wished. However, after COVID-19, as more travelers preferred 'safe travel' and sought to avoid uncertainties, interest in package tours appears to have increased.

In fact, according to Hana Tour, an analysis of overseas travel reservation trends by age group last year showed that the 20s and 30s age group accounted for 30% of reservations. This is a significant increase compared to 16.3% in 2019.

Themed tours accompanied by experts in various fields also attracted attention. Among those who booked themed tours last year, the 20s and 30s age group accounted for 40.1%. Notably, a Mongolia trip accompanied by travel writer An Sinae in June last year sold out in just one minute, with most of the bookers in their 20s and 30s.

Accordingly, travel agencies are launching various travel products tailored to the segmented tastes of younger travelers. Recently, Hana Tour released a 'package exclusively for people in their 30s' reflecting the preferences of customers in their 30s. Unlike existing packages where various age groups travel together, this product is characterized by being available only to customers in their 30s.

When Destinations Match, Some Look for 'Travel Friends'

Japan. [Image source=Pixabay]

Additionally, young people choosing to travel 'together yet separately' are on the rise. This means enjoying solo travel but finding companions only when desired. For example, someone traveling alone in Da Nang, Vietnam, might look for a companion just for a half-day tour in Hoi An. They find travel companions through travel cafes or open chat rooms and plan to meet only on predetermined dates while traveling independently otherwise.

Kim, a 24-year-old university student who traveled to Osaka, Japan, last month, said, "I tried to coordinate schedules with friends or family, but no one was available, so I ended up traveling alone to Japan. I thought it would be lonely to travel alone continuously, so I found a companion through my school community to explore Kyoto together for just one day."

He added, "Before the trip, we met in Korea and had a meal together, so there was no discomfort or awkwardness. Also, my companion had been to Japan several times, so they knew well about transportation from Osaka to Kyoto and good restaurants, which was convenient."

Meanwhile, last month saw the largest increase in overseas group travel costs in over 13 years. According to the National Statistical Portal of Statistics Korea, the consumer price index for overseas group travel costs was 118.49 last month, up 15.9% compared to the same month last year.

This is attributed to rising accommodation costs abroad due to inflation after the COVID-19 pandemic, increased fuel surcharges, and higher airfare burdens caused by increased demand for overseas travel.