Welcoming the peak season for autumn foliage viewing: Japan tour prices see up to NT$6,500 increase

▲ Japan will enter the peak foliage viewing season, with tour prices rising by up to NT$6,500 compared to the summer period. (Photo / Reporter Yu Ru)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong / Taipei

After autumn arrives, regions including Northeast Asia and North America enter the foliage viewing season, while the Southern Hemisphere and mainland China also enter their peak travel seasons. To provide consumers with a reference when purchasing travel packages, the Travel Quality Assurance Association of the Republic of China today (September 1) announced the reference prices for tour packages from October to December.

Affected by exchange rates, Japan and Europe are currently among the most popular travel destinations. However, as Japan is about to enter the peak foliage viewing season and hotel rooms are hard to come by, tour prices are estimated to rise by NT$2,000 to NT$6,500 compared to the previous quarter. As for Europe, it will enter the off-season in November to December, and with the euro exchange rate factor, tour prices are expected to drop by about NT$5,000 to NT$15,000.

The Quality Assurance Association also noted that the popular New Year's Eve trip to Sydney at the end of the year mainly departs between December 26 and 28. Group tours lasting 6 to 7 days start at NT$50,000 to NT$60,000, while staying in city-center hotels can push prices up to NT$80,000 to NT$120,000. For those wanting to ring in the New Year in New York, there are also value-packed 8-day itineraries priced at around NT$40,000 to NT$50,000. Additionally, more comprehensive 10 to 12-day itineraries are priced at NT$100,000 to NT$120,000.

▲ Reference price table for group tours on various routes in 2015. (Source: Quality Assurance Association)

Southeast Asia:
Compared to the off-season in September, prices remain stable, with a majority of bookings being employee incentive trips and reward travel. However, after Malaysia Airlines suspended its Kuala Lumpur route on August 20, this may affect airfare prices.

Japan:
From late September to late November, it is the peak season for autumn foliage, making foliage viewing and hot spring bathing key highlights of travel. Airlines have also added more flights. Although the Japanese yen exchange rate remains stable, local accommodation and transportation costs have increased, resulting in an overall price hike of NT$2,000 to NT$6,500 compared to the previous quarter.

South Korea:
October to November is the autumn foliage season, and December marks the beginning of ski resort operations, leading to increased local hotel costs. However, due to the severe impact of MERS during the summer, which significantly dampened travel demand, many operators are still offering discounted promotions.

Hong Kong and Macau:
Currently, independent travel dominates, with prices from October to November remaining flat compared to the previous quarter. In December, prices may rise by NT$1,000 to NT$2,000 due to factors such as airfare and attraction fees.

Mainland China:
October is the best month for travel in terms of climate throughout the year in mainland China. In recent years, the popularity of Yangcheng Lake crabs has driven prices up, making them a common inclusion in travel packages. Overall prices are roughly flat or have risen by NT$1,500 to NT$3,000 compared to the previous quarter. However, in November to December, prices in North China, Central-South China, and Southwest China may drop by NT$2,000 to NT$5,000. Seasonal attractions such as Xi'an and Xinjiang may see drops of NT$4,000 to NT$8,000.

North America:
In addition to classic itineraries, North America offers popular foliage viewing tours. Due to significant fare reductions, the U.S. sees a drop of NT$8,000 to NT$18,000 compared to the summer season, while Canada sees a drop of NT$13,000 to NT$16,000. Prices in Central and South America remain stable.

▲ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. (Photo / Provided by Tourism Victoria)

Europe:
November to December is the off-season in Europe, with shorter daylight hours, but features elements such as Christmas markets and New Year’s events. To align with winter itineraries, some operators offer upgraded dining and hotel options. Overall tour prices are approximately NT$5,000 to NT$15,000 lower than the previous quarter, and also NT$2,000 to NT$5,000 lower than the same period last year.

Middle East, India, and Africa:
The end of the year is the traditional off-season for the Middle East, so destinations such as Greece, Turkey, and Egypt see price drops of NT$2,000 to NT$7,000. South Africa enters the Jacaranda flower season in October, but to maintain travel demand, prices remain relatively stable compared to the previous period.

New Zealand and Australia:
October to December is spring in the Southern Hemisphere and also the flower viewing season. Coupled with the New Zealand and Australian dollar hitting a 10-year low, it is an ideal time for travel. Additionally, China Airlines has increased flights to New Zealand and Australia, facilitating more diverse travel planning. Overall prices are about NT$5,000 to NT$15,000 cheaper than last year.

Indochina Peninsula:
The Indochina Peninsula has entered its peak season, but due to varying hotel and dining options, overall prices fluctuate. Most prices remain flat compared to last year, with only slight increases in some areas.

Domestic Travel
From November to December, influenced by the northeastern monsoon, extra caution is needed when traveling to outlying islands due to weather conditions. However, thanks to the hot spring season and holiday periods, hotel prices are approximately 20–40% higher than during the summer vacation. Hotels in Taipei’s East District also have an 80% booking rate during the New Year period, with prices about 10–20% higher than the standard rates.