Diverse Travel Destinations & Rise of Local Travel
Expansion of Leisure Focused on Preferences & Personal Healing Spaces, ⓒNol Universe, ‘[Dailyan = Lee Na-young] Nol Universe announced on the 9th that it has proposed ‘BLOOM’ as the trend keyword for the travel and leisure market in 2025.’
‘BLOOM is a message of new hope, derived from the data analysis of Nol Universe, the largest travel and leisure company in Korea.’
‘The key leisure trends of this year have been identified as: ▲Exploring the world (Broadening World) ▲Breaking the boundaries between locals and travelers (Living like Locals) ▲Enjoying leisure tailored to individual preferences (One-pointed Leisure) ▲Healing in personal ways (Owning My Healing Spot) ▲Traveling easily and affordably (Mindful Innovation).’
‘Firstly, advancements in technology and transportation have accelerated the discovery of new travel destinations, allowing easier access to diverse cultures and nature.’
‘Flight reservations to non-central destinations like Phu Quoc in Vietnam and Bohol in the Philippines have increased, significantly climbing in the rankings of popular cities.’
‘Particularly, in Japan, which is recognized as a multi-visit destination, 2024 flight bookings to smaller cities like Kagoshima, Yonago, and Matsuyama have grown by 316%, 253%, and 184% respectively compared to the previous year.’
‘Travel that immerses into local daily life is gaining attention to enhance understanding of travel destinations.’
‘Analysis of accommodation booking trends by type on the Yanolja platform showed a 126% increase in bookings for community-focused lodging like guesthouses and hostels, where locals and travelers can naturally interact, in 2024 compared to the previous year.’
‘In Korea, staying styles such as month-long stays and workations have established themselves as new travel methods, with various long-stay promotions being introduced by local governments.’
‘In leisure activities, individual preferences are distinctly emerging.’
‘With personal interests becoming more important, the number of customers booking Interpark Tour’s hobby-centered Holic packages, such as hiking, drawing, and camping, surged by 201% compared to the previous year.’
‘The number of customers booking performances via Interpark Tickets grew by 10% from 2023, indicating an expansion in performing arts.’
‘There is an increasing variety of healing leisure spaces where one can focus exclusively on oneself.’
‘Hotel vacations in premium hotels continue to be popular, with bookings for luxury hotels on the Yanolja platform growing by 13% compared to 2023.’
‘Simultaneously, bookings for outdoor accommodation such as camping and glamping, which allow relaxation in nature, grew by 34% compared to the previous year, indicating a more diverse selection of leisure spaces.’
‘With the advancement of technology and services, a reliable leisure environment is spreading.’
‘In June last year, Yanolja platform introduced ‘Cancel-Free,’ the first overseas accommodation cancellation fee refund service in Korea. By enhancing customer-friendly benefits, 32% of all overseas accommodation bookers had subscribed within three months of its launch.’
‘Additionally, in July last year, Interpark Tour unveiled the ‘Air Safety Plan’ to minimize customer damage from unexpected flight cancellations, baggage loss, and weather-related disruptions. Over 3000 people have used this service in just five months since its launch, enhancing customer convenience.’
‘A representative from Nol Universe commented, “In 2025, the travel and leisure industry is expected to increasingly focus on individualized healing methods, distinct personal preferences, and characteristics. As leisure and travel become more frequent to nearby places, the boundaries between locals and travelers will blur, and technology facilitating convenient and affordable travel will play a crucial role.”‘