Domestic Quarantine Exemption Announcement Sparks Surge in Travel Demand... Overseas Flight Bookings Up 873% YoY

After Quarantine Exemption Announcement on the 11th, Overseas Flight Bookings Increase by 873% Compared to the Same Period Last Year

A panoramic view of a resort in Saipan. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The government’s exemption of quarantine requirements for vaccinated overseas arrivals starting from the 21st has led to a surge in overseas flight bookings.

According to the travel industry on the 15th, Interpark Tour analyzed the total number of overseas flight reservations from the 11th to the 13th and found an 873% increase compared to the same period last year and a 281% increase compared to the previous month.

During this period, the share of overseas flight routes booked was recorded as follows: Americas 39.1%, Europe 31.5%, Southeast Asia 18.9%, Oceania 6.9%, Japan 3.3%, and China 0.3%.

Interpark Tour reported that the top four routes showed remarkable growth. The reservation increase rates for the Americas, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Oceania routes rose by 351%, 294%, 187%, and 359% respectively compared to the previous month.

In particular, among the Americas routes, Guam and Hawaii are popular destinations because they allow short-term trips without much preparation or burden, and they offer many luxury hotels in beautiful natural environments, making them ideal for private relaxation.

Additionally, Guam has announced free PCR testing costs for Koreans, reducing travelers’ burdens and attracting more attention.

Among long-distance routes, Barcelona and Zurich are popular as travelers can visit without quarantine upon entry. Since these countries opened their borders early to tourists, they are expected to continue driving demand for European travel.

The number of bookings during this period also increased by 54% compared to November 12-14 last year, when expectations for the resumption of overseas travel were at their highest just before the Omicron surge.

An Interpark Tour official said, "Resort destinations such as Hawaii on the Americas route and Guam and Saipan on the Oceania route are strong," adding, "Saipan, which currently allows travel without quarantine between the two countries, is very popular, and once domestic quarantine is lifted, Guam and Hawaii are expected to follow in popularity."

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