Kids Room and Spa Room Fully Booked... New Travel Trends in the COVID-19 Era

Rising Travel Interest Ahead of Golden Holiday
Concerns Over 'Relaxed' Social Distancing Measures

This photo is unrelated to the article content [Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Han Sun-young (39), a housewife living in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, booked a four-person pension in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province for a family trip on May 1-2, ahead of Children's Day. This place is equipped not only with children's play facilities similar to a kids cafe but also with spa facilities inside the room. Han's husband and their two sons plan to spend the day here, taking care of lodging and meals instead of visiting tourist spots. Han said, "Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the children have been staying at home for longer periods and feel frustrated," adding, "We made this decision after considering ways to minimize contact with others while still feeling the travel atmosphere."

◆ Golden holiday, kids and spa rooms sold out= According to related industries on the 25th, competition for accommodation reservations at major tourist spots during the so-called 'end of April and beginning of May' golden holiday period is fierce. Starting with Buddha's Birthday on the 30th, followed by Labor Day on May 1 and Children's Day on May 5, the holiday extends up to six days including weekends, leading to a surge in people planning family trips or gatherings during this period. In particular, demand is high for event rooms such as kids rooms and spa rooms operated by medium to large hotels or pensions. These rooms, sold online or on leisure-dedicated platforms for around 300,000 KRW, were sold out early.

An accommodation industry official said, "There has been steady demand for event room reservations mainly on weekends, but this trend has become much more pronounced due to the spread of COVID-19," adding, "Rooms with relatively higher prices are booked first, especially by family travelers." Han said, "Most kids cafes or water play facilities have either suspended operations or, even if open, people hesitate to visit due to concerns about COVID-19 infection," explaining, "Using event rooms allows families to spend time together without contact with others, and children's satisfaction is high, so we visit them from time to time."

Interest Trends in Major Domestic Travel Destinations [Data=Consumer Insight]

◆ Travel sentiment revived to early-year levels= In addition to those seeking private spaces, domestic travel demand is showing signs of revival during the golden holiday. This comes as the number of new COVID-19 cases has dropped to single digits on average per day, entering a stabilization phase after a large-scale outbreak. Although social distancing measures implemented by the government and health authorities remain effective until May 5, the combination of these measures and the long holiday has increased interest in major domestic tourist destinations.

In fact, according to a survey by consumer research firm 'Consumer Insight' of 500 people per week regarding interest in major domestic travel destinations, interest in popular destinations such as Jeju and Gangwon Province has recovered to levels seen before the COVID-19 cluster infections in early February. According to the survey, Jeju's interest level dropped from 54% in the first week of February to 46% in the second week of March but rose again to 53% in the second week of April. Interest in the Gangwon region also fell to 36% in the second week of March but recovered to 45% in the second week of April, matching the level of the first week of February.

Seoul Yeouido Hangang Park is bustling with visitors./Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

◆ Concerns over 'loose' distancing, authorities remain 'alert'= Jeju Island expects 180,000 tourists during the golden holiday period, and the reservation rate for flights to Jeju has already exceeded 80%. Both local governments and the central government, including health authorities, are on alert due to this atmosphere. There are concerns that the effects of the strengthened social distancing measures implemented since the 22nd of last month could be undone in an instant.

Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong said, "The residents have protected Jeju with one heart so far, and since the COVID-19 situation is not completely over, we will continue to maintain the strengthened quarantine system," appealing, "If you have symptoms, please refrain from visiting Jeju as much as possible, and if you must visit, actively cooperate with the strengthened quarantine measures."

The government also urged people to refrain from traveling or gathering as much as possible until May 5, and even when going outdoors, to maintain a physical distance of at least 2 meters (minimum 1 meter) from others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.