Chinese cruise operators are scrambling to avoid Japanese ports as Beijing and Tokyo engage in a diplomatic dispute, which is expected to spur demand for tourism in South Korea, according to sources and cruise schedules reviewed by Reuters.
Tour and port agents said tensions, sparked by recent remarks from Japan’s new prime minister, could cause Chinese tourists to be redirected to South Korea from Japan.
Adora Magic City, a Chinese cruise ship, has altered its December schedule to skip Japanese ports (Fukuoka, Sasebo, Nagasaki). Instead, it will extend its Jeju stop in South Korea to 31–57 hours, far longer than the usual nine.
The operator of the “Dream” cruise ship, which departs from the Chinese city of Tianjin, wanted to avoid Japan and reroute to a South Korean port in Incheon or Busan over the next couple of weeks.
South Korea As a Top Travel Destination
South Korea has emerged as the top destination for Chinese travellers in terms of the volume of international flight tickets booked over the weekend of November 15 and 16, according to data from online travel agency Qunar.
Scores of Chinese airlines have offered refunds on routes to Japan, a move that is expected to boost air travel to South Korea.
An executive at Jeju Air said the South Korean budget carrier is anticipating an increase in Chinese tourists, although there had been no immediate impact.
In 2013, South Korea experienced a jump of more than 50% in the number of Chinese tourists it welcomed due to a territorial dispute between Beijing and Tokyo over some islands.
Prospects of Travel Stocks Surge
While Beijing’s advisory against travel to Japan has hit the country’s tourism-related stocks, it has also caused shares of South Korean travel-related companies to surge this week.
Lotte Tour Development 032350.KS, which operates a hotel and a casino on Jeju island, has risen more than 20%; travel agency Yellow Balloon Tour is up 24%; and department store operator Shinsegae has gained 6% on hopes that Chinese travellers will redirect to South Korea.
Some in the travel industry said it could take time before there is an uptick in Chinese tourists in South Korea.
(With inputs from Reuters)
