Vietnam Leads in Business Class Bookings – A Surge in South Korean Travellers last year and hopefully in 2024 

Vietnam has emerged as the top destination for business class bookings among South Korean travellers in 2023, according to data analyzed by Gmarket, a major e-commerce platform in South Korea. The study, released on January 19, 2024, reveals significant growth in the number of premium airline ticket purchases, particularly business class, as overseas travel demand surged following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Gmarket’s data indicates an impressive 254% increase in business class flight bookings in 2023, marking a substantial 3.5-fold rise compared to 2022. Vietnam secured the top spot in business class preferences, followed closely by Thailand and Japan.

Despite facing a prolonged economic recession, South Korean residents are increasingly opting for the luxury of “fly and vacation” experiences, showing a willingness to invest in comfortable airplane seats. This trend reflects a shift in travel preferences as more individuals prioritize premium travel amenities, signifying a positive turn for the aviation and tourism sectors amid the post-pandemic recovery. Properties like The Residence Bintan offering unique experiences like its Bintan Eco Farm saw increased tourist bookings during this period and hope this continues in 2024.