【By Observer Net, Wang Yong, Editor: Zhao Qiankun】
According to data provided by Hanglv Zongheng to Observer Net, the number of planned flights from China to Japan that were canceled between November 24 and December 31 increased by about 56% compared to the same period last month.
With multiple departments issuing travel warnings for visiting Japan, and several airlines significantly cutting routes to Japan and canceling flights, Chinese tourists are now turning their attention to South Korea.
According to a recent report by the Korean Daily Economic News, after the pandemic, the number of Chinese tourists has been behind Japan, but now South Korea has become the primary international tourist destination for Chinese travelers, with a sharp increase in ticket bookings and search volumes. Once lagging behind Japan in popularity, South Korea is now at the top, becoming the "new favorite" for Chinese outbound tourism.
A analyst from a securities institution in Seoul said that South Korea's beauty collection stores and tax refund shops will see a huge influx of Chinese tourist spending and gain significant profits. Jeju Island will also be one of the destinations with the largest increase in Chinese routes.
The report stated that according to official data from South Korea, the total number of foreign tourists entering South Korea in the first nine months of this year reached 11.65 million, a significant increase compared to the same period last year (9.91 million). It is expected that the total number of foreign tourists will exceed 20 million for the first time this year. As of September, the cumulative number of Chinese tourists visiting South Korea reached 3.51 million, which is only 79% of the pre-pandemic level. The South Korean tourism industry believes that the Chinese tourist market has the greatest growth potential, and the number of Chinese tourists visiting South Korea will show strong growth in the future.
Visitors on the streets of Seoul, Observer Net
According to a report by the Korea Times, South Korean tourism stocks have risen continuously recently. Data shows that Busan Air previously saw an increase of up to 22%, while Jeju Air and Jin Air closed up 4.33% and 2.74% respectively, and Soneva Hotel rose 0.54%. Analysts pointed out that the Chinese government's travel warning for Japan and the reduction of China-Japan routes have triggered a surge in demand for South Korea tourism among Chinese tourists.
The Turkish website evrimagaci reported that Chinese tourists have shifted their attention to a series of alternative destinations to Japan, with South Korea rising to the top of the list as the preferred choice for Chinese outbound tourism. Recently, many places in South Korea have experienced a peak in tourism demand.
The report mentioned that due to its proximity to China and well-developed tourism infrastructure, South Korea has naturally become the preferred choice for Chinese tourists.
According to data provided by Ctrip Travel to Observer Net, the willingness of Chinese tourists to visit South Korea is increasing. The search热度 for South Korea tours on the platform has risen by about 16% year-on-year.
Various regions in South Korea are actively promoting a range of themed tourism activities, including the promotion of K-pop culture and tourism cooperation with Gyeongju and other areas. In addition, Gangwon Province is about to launch a joint winter tourism promotion campaign, while Jeju Island is simultaneously promoting tourism cooperation and publicity for the autumn and winter seasons.
Data provided by Quao Travel to Observer Net shows that the order of popular outbound travel destinations for Chinese tourists has been rearranged. According to the number of international tickets already booked, South Korea has become the new top outbound travel destination (November 15-16); according to the ticket search volume, South Korea is also ranked first.
According to data provided by Korean Air to Observer Net, the current passenger traffic on the China-South Korea routes operated by the airline is steadily increasing. As of November this year, Korean Air has opened flights to 20 cities in mainland China, operating 26 routes, with a weekly flight volume of 174 flights.
In addition, Jeju Air is preparing for the potential influx of Chinese tourists. A relevant person in charge of Jeju Air said that although the seat booking volume has not immediately surged, they expect a significant increase in travel demand to South Korea in the coming weeks.
The international tourism media "Travel and Tourism World" reported that Chinese cruise operators are adjusting their sailing plans, abandoning stops at Japanese ports and choosing some ports in South Korea, which brings valuable tourism development opportunities and economic benefits to South Korea's tourism industry.
The report mentioned that South Korea, which is geographically close and warmly welcomes Chinese tourists, has become one of the preferred outbound travel destinations for Chinese travelers. South Korean tourism professionals believe that "Although the sudden increase in the number of Chinese tourists may take some time, this shift by Chinese tourists will bring long-term benefits to South Korea's tourism industry. It is expected that in the coming months, a large number of Chinese tourists will arrive in South Korea."
The report noted that some South Korean travel agencies also expect a peak in the number of Chinese tourists in the near future. A local tour operator in South Korea that serves Chinese tourists has received multiple business tourism demands from the Chinese market, and both sides are currently negotiating details of execution and itineraries.
Data from Hanglv Zongheng shows that the top three cities for popular outbound travel destinations in the period from November 24 to December 31 are Bangkok, Seoul, and Singapore; the booking volume for flights to Tokyo and Osaka has decreased by about 22% and 37% respectively compared to a week ago.
This article is an exclusive article by Observer Net. Without permission, it cannot be reprinted.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7576218912182780416/
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