95% Intend to Travel Abroad Within a Year: Travel Times Survey
According to Travel Times, about 95% of respondents in its 2024 survey said they intended to travel abroad within the next year. Rather than rushing to leave immediately, however, many appeared to be taking their time to compare itineraries and costs before making plans.
The survey was conducted from May 17 to June 16, 2024, to mark the 32nd anniversary of Travel Times. A total of 3,229 adults aged 20 and over from across South Korea took part. The survey examined intentions to travel abroad, preferred destinations, travel styles, budgets and booking channels.
Overseas Travel Demand Returns to Pre-COVID Levels
The Travel Times survey shows a significant recovery in consumer sentiment toward international travel. With most respondents planning an overseas trip within the next year, international travel appears to have re-established itself as an everyday form of consumption and leisure.
At the same time, respondents were found to be choosing their travel dates carefully. Those planning longer trips tended to allow more time for preparation, while practical considerations such as travel costs, distance and itinerary length played a major role in determining their destinations.
Distance and Cost Top the List of Destination Criteria
When choosing an overseas destination, consumers considered a combination of travel distance, trip length, overall expenses, food, the destination’s image, and hotel and transportation infrastructure. In other words, practical factors such as ease of getting around and affordability mattered alongside a destination’s symbolic appeal.
Asia-Pacific Seen as the Most Realistic Option
According to Travel Times, the Asia-Pacific region was the most popular choice when respondents considered realistic costs and travel schedules, with 73.5% selecting it as their most likely destination. Europe followed at 13.8%, while the Americas accounted for 5.2%.
Within the Asia-Pacific region, Japan ranked first at 34%. It was followed by Vietnam at 14.9%, Thailand at 9.9%, Guam at 6.9% and Taiwan at 4.4%, highlighting strong demand for short- and medium-haul destinations.
Europe and the United States Lead the Dream-Destination List
Responses changed when participants were asked where they most wanted to travel, without considering practical factors such as cost and distance. Europe ranked first at 40.5%, followed by Asia-Pacific at 28.8% and the Americas at 13.8%.
By country, the United States came first at 9.6%, followed by Japan at 7.7% and Switzerland at 6.7%. The results suggest that travelers with more flexibility in their budgets and vacation time show a stronger preference for long-haul destinations and cultural or nature-based travel.
Travel Trends Shift Toward Independent Trips
Among travel styles, fully independent travel and flexible packages built around flights and hotels continued to attract interest. Across the Asia-Pacific, European and American regions, fully independent travel was the most popular choice among respondents.
Family trips accounted for a significant share of preferred travel companions, while preferred themes varied by region. Rest and relaxation were particularly popular for Asia-Pacific travel, history and culture for Europe, and urban exploration for the Americas.
Preference for Travel Agencies and OTAs
Travel agencies and online travel agencies, or OTAs, were the most preferred booking channels, selected by 47.4% of respondents. Portals and general online shopping platforms accounted for 27.4%, while 20.8% said they would book directly with airlines and hotels.
Among consumers who chose travel agencies or OTAs, the factors they considered most important were price, product composition and booking convenience. The most preferred companies included Agoda, HanaTour, Skyscanner, Modetour and MyRealTrip.
Overseas Travel Market Set for More Tailored Products
The 2024 consumer survey on overseas travel shows that demand is recovering while travelers’ decision-making criteria are becoming more segmented. Interest is growing in products that offer greater flexibility than group packages, destinations that are closer to home and reasonably priced options.
The travel industry will need to strengthen products tailored to different types of companions and travel purposes, from families and friends to solo travelers. Strategies that distinguish between short-haul Asia-Pacific trips and long-haul journeys to Europe and the Americas, with products organized by price point and theme, are also expected to become increasingly important.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What percentage of respondents intended to travel abroad within a year in the 2024 survey?
A. In Travel Times’ 2024 survey, about 95% of respondents said they intended to travel abroad within the next year.
Q. How many people participated in the survey?
A. A total of 3,229 adults aged 20 and over from across South Korea participated. The survey was conducted from May 17 to June 16, 2024.
Q. Which overseas region was considered the most realistic travel option?
A. The Asia-Pacific region recorded the highest response rate, at 73.5%.
Q. Which country was the most popular realistic destination?
A. Within the Asia-Pacific region, Japan was the most preferred destination at 34%, followed by Vietnam and Thailand.
Q. What was the most popular overseas travel booking channel?
A. Travel agencies and OTAs were the most popular choice, selected by 47.4% of respondents. Portals and general online shopping platforms, followed by direct bookings with airlines and hotels, came next.
