Increase in Bookings for Major Travel Agency Products
Preference for Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines
Growing Interest in Visa-Free China Implementation
As the cold wind begins to blow after Ipdong (the beginning of winter), travel demand for enjoying golf in warm overseas destinations is increasing. Major travel agencies are seeing a rise in inquiries for overseas golf package products that combine golf, accommodation, and sightseeing.
According to the industry on the 8th, Modetour's reservation rate for overseas golf packages targeting the winter season from December this year to February next year increased by 35% compared to the same period last year. By region, based on next month, Thailand had the highest reservation share at 22%, followed by Vietnam (20%), the Philippines (19%), and Malaysia (15%), showing a preference for Southeast Asia. Japan (8%), Guam and Saipan (6%), and China (5%) also ranked.
Notably, interest in China golf packages has increased due to the visa-free policy implemented from the 8th. A Modetour official stated, "Since the announcement of the visa-free policy, inquiries and demand for China golf trips in January and February next year have significantly increased." The company explained that younger customers tend to look for cost-effective products including unlimited golf, while middle-aged and older customers prefer products that allow them to experience golf, healing, and local sightseeing all together.
Hanatour is also known to have active reservation demand for golf packages in the fourth quarter. By region, Thailand ranked first with 31.8%, followed by China with 15.0%, including Yantai, Weihai, and Qingdao. Demand for Southeast Asia such as Vietnam (13.7%), the Philippines (9.3%), Malaysia (8.9%), and Japan (8.2%) is also evenly distributed.
The proportion of fourth-quarter golf package reservations through Norangpungseon increased by about 82% compared to the same period last year, and overseas golf travel packages reserved from the 1st of next month to February 28th next year increased by about 40% compared to the same period last year. Malaysia had the highest reservation rate at 34%, followed by Thailand (30%) and Japan (18%).
In addition, Kyowon Tour Travel Easy's fourth-quarter overseas golf package reservation rate increased by 72% compared to the previous quarter and by 10% compared to the same period last year. A Travel Easy official said, "Considering the current reservation trend, it is expected to greatly exceed last year's number of outbound customers." Interpark Tour, operated by Interpark Triple, also saw a 38.3% increase in overseas golf travel package reservations last month compared to the previous month. Market share was 63.4% for Southeast Asia and 32.1% for Japan.
Travel agencies are differentiating themselves with packages that combine golf, rest, and local sightseeing. For example, Travel Easy offers a product staying for five days in the Malaysian resort Kota Kinabalu. Customers can enjoy up to 63 holes of rounds at the local Dalit Bay Country Club (CC). Interpark Tour also offers a 4-night, 63-hole package in Miyazaki, Japan, and a 5-day, 54-hole package in Da Nang, Vietnam. The price including accommodation and sightseeing schedules is in the 900,000 KRW range per adult.
An Interpark Tour official explained, "As domestic golf course green fees have jumped significantly in recent years, overseas golf travel is becoming a new mainstream travel product in the winter season."
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