The Jeju tourism industry is reportedly facing deep concerns as the demand for travel, which poured in during the COVID-19 pandemic, is gradually decreasing.
According to the Jeju Tourism Association, as of the 28th of last month, the number of domestic tourists who visited Jeju this year was 6,363,736.
Although it may seem like a large number, it is actually a decrease of 362,921 people (5.4%) compared to the same period last year when 6,726,657 people visited Jeju.
The reason behind the decline in tourists is believed to be the resumption of overseas travel to Japan and Southeast Asia. In particular, the explosive increase in Japanese tourism demand due to the "Enjo phenomenon" is considered to have had a significant impact.
In fact, among the foreign tourists who visited Japan in May, the majority were Koreans, with 515,700 Koreans visiting Japan.
As a result, airlines are reducing flights between Jeju and the mainland and expanding profitable international routes.
Despite the decrease in flights between Jeju and the mainland, there hasn't been a significant outcry. This is because more people are choosing to go abroad rather than visiting Jeju due to the phenomenon of high prices and controversies over excessive charging.
According to a survey conducted by the Jeju Tourism Organization, the most complained-about factor among visitors to Jeju is the "high prices."
The percentage of respondents who answered "prices are expensive" increased significantly from 29% in 2014 to 53.4% last year. The controversy over excessive charging continues, including not only accommodations but also essential elements of Jeju tourism such as rental cars.
As the demand for travel surges in July and August, the period when Jeju Island is expected to attract tourists despite the increase in overseas travel demand, attention is focused on whether Jeju can capture the preferences of visitors.
https://www.insight.co.kr/news/443256
