South Korea to Welcome Plenty of Tourists from Hong Kong

by Dana Marie / Jul 29, 2015 04:14 AM EDT

Tourists visit PIFF Plaza at Haewundae beach. South Korea offers several attractions and festivals

(Photo : By:Chung Sung-Jun | Getty Images Entertainment) Tourists visit PIFF Plaza at Haewundae beach. South Korea offers several attractions and festivals

With the South Korean government announcing a de-facto (actual but not official) end to MERS, authorities in Hong Kong have also considered lifting travel warnings to the country by Friday. The advisory, which has been issued on June 9 - when the outbreak first spread, prevents people from planning non-essential trips to South Korea and treats travelers with respiratory symptoms as possible MERS cases. Tours have also been suspended for around two months.

Now that Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has told everyone to "[...] shake off all concerns over MERS and to resume normal activities [...]", an increasing number of Hongkongers have been booking trips.

This has ensued amidst the Seoul government's announcement of a 22 trillion-won stimulus package, which will support businesses greatly affected by the crisis. Korea Tourism Organization has cooperated with Hong Kong's Travel Industry Council, offering special promotions like 30% discount on package tours. Some agencies even provide four-day trips at HK$1,200.

Since Tuesday, plenty of Hongkongers have been calling agencies to ask about early-bird deals to South Korea. Around 600 people have already signed up for low-priced trips, which are set to start next week. Before the viral outbreak, the country welcomes around 18,000 visitors each month during peak seasons.

"Agencies are expecting a big return of business. South Korea has been a very popular destination for Hong Kong travelers", says Joseph Tung Yao-chung - executive director of Travel Industry Council.

Sure enough, it won't be long until the nation's tourism industry will spring back to its feet. It's still summer and the government has announced the end of MERS, beckoning holidaymakers to explore the nation's attractions and take advantage of the wonderful deals during the Korea Grand Sale in August. With special promotions expected to end by September, when businesses have regained their losses, tourists from Hong Kong and other places should consider booking a trip to South Korea now.