South Korea’s MERS outbreak escalates; tourism industry laments: peak season has arrived, but travelers are canceling tours

▲ The MERS virus is impacting South Korea’s tourism market. (Photo / Digital Image / AP)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong / Taipei

In response to the MERS outbreak in South Korea, the Centers for Disease Control has raisedthe travel alert level for Seoul to Level 2(Alert – enhanced precautions recommended);the rest of South Korea to Level 1(Watch – general preventive measures advised).

The Tourism Bureau also stated that it has coordinated with the Travel Agent Association of the Republic of China and the Travel Quality Assurance Association. If group travelers need to cancel their trips, it will be handled according to Article 27 of the standardized overseas travel contract (i.e., compensation for travel costs based on the percentage of the tour fee corresponding to the length of time before departure). The Tourism Bureau has asked the association to coordinate with relevant businesses to adjust policies and handle changes or transfers of travel plans leniently, in order to reduce losses from necessary expenses for travelers.

Industry insiders said that late June is traditionally the peak travel season for Taiwanese visiting South Korea, but this year, the MERS outbreak has not only weakened demand but also led to customers calling to inquire about cancellations. Even Jeju Island has been affected, leaving businesses struggling.

Li Jia-yin, spokesperson for the Travel Agent Association of the Republic of China, said that due to the MERS outbreak, some travel agencies have indeed received cancellation calls from customers. Li added that aside from the CDC’s Level 2 warning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Bureau of Consular Affairs currently maintains a “gray” alert level for the country (advising caution). Therefore, besides heightened attention to epidemic prevention, refunds will be handled according to the proportionate compensation outlined in the standardized overseas travel contract.

The situation published by the Bureau of Consular Affairs shows that the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet raised the travel alert level for South Korea, and the local situation remains calm and stable. The Tourism Bureau still urges those planning to travel to South Korea to pay attention to relevant epidemic prevention regulations and personal health management, and requires travel agencies to strengthen epidemic prevention awareness among travelers.

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