"Half-Price Discount for Vaccinated" Vaccine Marketing Flood Drives Vaccination Uptake

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] As COVID-19 vaccinations have begun in earnest in South Korea, various industries are making headlines by launching 'vaccine marketing' campaigns that offer benefits to vaccinated individuals.

As of the 11th, the cumulative number of first-dose COVID-19 vaccinations in South Korea has surpassed 10 million. Accordingly, various industries that had been stagnant are now competing to launch marketing campaigns targeting vaccinated individuals. In particular, with the introduction of the Janssen vaccine and leftover vaccines expanding the eligible age group to people in their 30s and 40s, the distribution industry and others have started offering various benefits to capture their attention.

The tourism industry, which was hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis, has shown the most active movement in 'vaccine marketing.' Especially as the government announced policies such as promoting 'travel bubbles' with countries with excellent quarantine records like Taiwan, Singapore, and Saipan, and allowing overseas travel for those who have completed vaccination, their promotions have become even more vibrant. Travel agency Chamjoeun Travel will sell a 5-night, 7-day France travel package for vaccinated individuals from July to September. Hana Tour also announced that it is planning overseas travel packages for customers two weeks after vaccination.

Additionally, on the 10th, airline Air Busan announced it would conduct a so-called 'vaccine encouragement campaign.' According to this, Air Busan will offer the first five vaccinated passengers on each flight free front seats and emergency exit seats on domestic routes (Busan-Gimpo, Ulsan-Gimpo), as well as priority baggage handling on Jeju routes. This campaign, running from June 11 to July 15, is open to any passenger with a record of having received at least the first dose of the vaccine.

The hotel industry has also stepped up support. Millennium Hilton Seoul announced it will offer a 50% discount on weekday lunch buffet prices for vaccinated individuals and their companions until the end of next month. Following this, Asti Hotel in Busan will provide vaccinated guests with room upgrades, two cups of coffee, noon check-in, and late check-out benefits until July 16. Business hotel Shilla Stay will also sell a 'Vaccine Stay Incentive Package' from the 14th of this month until the end of July. This package supports customers using the hotel on the day of their first vaccination with a 20% discount at the restaurant and up to 10,000 KRW for taxi fares.

Vaccine marketing is also influencing various leisure and shopping industries. Golfzon County is offering a 10,000 KRW discount coupon to vaccinated members at 15 of its 17 golf courses nationwide until July 31. Luxury shopping platform Trenbe issues coupons up to 200,000 KRW based on the spending amount of vaccinated customers. In the film industry, CGV, Megabox, and Lotte Cinema announced they will offer vaccinated individuals and one accompanying person discounts of up to half the regular admission price. Eight national performance venues, including the Seoul Arts Center and the National Theater, will also provide a 20% discount to vaccinated individuals for selected performances.

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