Airfare Hikes Not Deterring Taiwanese Travelers: Travel Agencies Report 30% Sales Growth

(Central News Agency, reporter Yu Xiaohan, Taipei, June 8) The previous wave of oil price hikes has kept airfare high, but it has not impacted Taiwanese travelers' willingness to go abroad. According to travel industry statistics, air ticket sales from January to May this year grew 30% compared to the same period last year.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to increased fuel surcharges, keeping airfare elevated. However, the latest statistics from the Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation show that the number of Taiwanese travelers going abroad from January to April this year reached 7,121,102, a 19.3% increase year-on-year.

Sales data from travel agencies also indicate that high airfare has not dampened travelers' enthusiasm for overseas trips. Lion Travel issued a press release today stating that its air ticket sales from January to May this year grew 30% year-on-year, with ticket issuance volume increasing by nearly 50%. The Northeast Asian market saw a doubling of passenger numbers.

Lion Travel noted that with the decline in oil prices, fuel surcharges were reduced in June. Additionally, STARLUX Airlines has been launching new routes to Busan, Prague, and Bali, increasing market supply and boosting travel business opportunities for the second half of the year.

Capitalizing on the travel demand for five long weekends in the second half of the year, including the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, Lion Travel has partnered with STARLUX Airlines to offer promotions. They are launching a major annual airfare sale covering 41 international routes departing from Taipei and Taichung, with discounts starting at 30% off. This is expected to more than double ticket issuance rates.

Meanwhile, KKday reported that searches for summer products in May this year grew 15% compared to April, and orders increased 5% year-on-year. In response, they are launching a series of travel voucher campaigns before the end of June.

KKday pointed out that in recent years, travel patterns have become more diverse. Short-term flash trips, solo tours, themed experiences, and high-frequency outbound travel have become market norms. The fastest-growing categories for summer bookings are eSIMs, transportation tickets, theme parks, day trips, and charter services. (Editor: Li Shuhua) 1150608