Beyond Hong Kong and Singapore, another must-visit weekend getaway
Shanghai, September 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
New short-haul overseas hotspot: must-see landmarks on Jeju Island
Jeju Island is home to hundreds of famous scenic spots, including the world-renowned Hallasan Mountain and the Yeongjong Ten Scenic Views. Among them, there is also a landmark currently being jointly developed by Chinese companies and the Korean government — the Jeju Shinhwa Theme Park Integrated Resort. This project is one of the six key developments under the Jeju Island Tier 1 master plan, and an important part of the Jeju International Free City Construction Master Plan. Once completed, the resort will feature seven myth-themed theme parks, a water adventure park, high-end duty-free shops and commercial complexes, a cluster of three- to six-star hotels, a 24-hour entertainment complex, as well as the "Jeju Island · Landmark Park" residential properties in the R and H zones of the Jeju Shinhwa Theme Park Resort. Visitors to the resort will not only enjoy a one-stop family vacation experience, world-class comfort and services, purchase permanent residency properties in the theme park, but can also qualify for immigrant green card status.
It is worth mentioning that the Jeju · Landmark Park is a collaboration between Chinese capital — Lending Club International (HK0582) — and Singapore’s Genting. Mr. Yang Zhihui, Chairman of Lending Club International, has decades of real estate development and operational experience in mainland China. After the company went public in Hong Kong, it ventured into overseas investments and has since grown into a large-scale international comprehensive investment enterprise. Genting Singapore is the creator of the global entertainment kingdom “Resorts World Sentosa” in Singapore, boasting world-class resort development and management expertise. This powerhouse partnership in building the Jeju · Landmark Park is set to establish it as a top-tier leisure and vacation destination in Jeju and even the world.
Domestic travel quality is a concern Overseas vacation demands are becoming more diverse
For many tourists based in Shanghai, going on vacation has become a hassle. Original plans to shop and relax in Hong Kong had to be abandoned due to the local situation, elderly family members and children cannot handle long-haul flights, and vacation time is limited. In recent years, as living standards have improved, vacationing has become a necessity, yet it has also turned into a headache for many travelers. Is there any place that is suitable for the whole family, convenient enough for a quick weekend trip, and rich in vacation resources and scenery?
This issue faced by Shanghai tourists is actually quite representative. The domestic tourism market in China is currently experiencing a surge in demand but a shortage in supply. In response, the National Tourism Administration has even issued directives requiring 5A-level scenic spots to limit visitor numbers. Tourists have keenly felt this situation, often saying, “The body hasn’t moved, but the mind is already troubled,” turning what should be a pleasant vacation into a chore.
As a result, the overseas travel market targeting high-end customers has continued to boom. According to data from the National Tourism Administration, the total number of outbound travelers in 2014 exceeded 100 million, with the largest increases seen in tourists visiting South Korea and Japan, both surpassing 40%. Generally, those who choose to vacation abroad are of a higher demographic. Their vacation needs first require ample time; secondly, their destination choices are not just about sightseeing in China, but likely involve multiple needs: shopping, leisure, entertainment, and sightseeing. Especially duty-free shopping, which has become one of the primary purposes of outbound travel for Chinese tourists in recent years. While outbound travel has its advantages, it also has its drawbacks, the biggest being the long distance, scattered attractions, and time-consuming nature. This limits the vacation needs of urban families.
Short-haul overseas vacations on the rise Jeju Island may be the biggest winner
In fact, not far from Shanghai, off the coast of the East China Sea, lies South Korea’s Jeju Island. This small island, known as the “Oriental Hawaii,” has quietly attracted millions of vacationers from China. The advantages of vacationing in Jeju are natural: firstly, South Korea has a stable political environment, and the people of Jeju are warm and friendly toward tourists; secondly, a flight from Shanghai takes just 50 minutes, and from Beijing around 2 hours — about the same as a trip to the suburbs; Jeju’s visa-free entry policy gives this magical island the convenience of a domestic trip — just bring your passport and you can leave almost anytime; and its positioning as an international free travel and resort island has also earned it the title of a global duty-free island, with several duty-free shops on the island whose shopping power is no less than Hong Kong’s.
Jeju Island is not just a conveniently accessible free island, but also a dreamy island with stunning scenery and pleasant views. The island’s natural beauty is world-famous, designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and a national geopark. The Yeongjong Ten Scenic Views and the landscape of Hallasan Mountain captivate countless visitors. The island’s rich and vibrant folk culture and carefree atmosphere allow every visitor to experience the unique charm of nature. It’s worth mentioning that not only is the scenery great here, but it’s also a top destination for health and wellness, with PM10 levels in the air as low as 0.041 — every breath is a refreshing one.
Beyond its beautiful scenery and freedom to enjoy, the government also places high importance on and actively develops the tourism industry.Earlier this month, officials from Jeju Island, South Korea, including Governor Won Hee-ryong of Jeju Province23visited China to meet with professionals in the Chinese tourism industry.Governor Won stated, “We feel that more visitors will come to Jeju in the future, and their visits will become more premium,” and introduced three policy directions for Chinese tourists: first, expanding and improving infrastructure such as airports, harbors, and cruise ports; second, enhancing products and activities, increasing offerings in shopping, sightseeing experiences, performances, and cultural programs. The Jeju Shinhwa Theme Park is set to be completed in 2018, when the water park, theme park, 24-hour entertainment complex, conference facilities, and high-end real estate will be fully developed; third, improving the service system for welcoming tourists.
Jeju Island’s outstanding qualities attract millions of mainland tourists. With its exceptional natural resources, geographic advantages, and free island status, Jeju Island is gradually replacing Hong Kong in China’s outbound tourism and becoming the top choice for Chinese outbound vacations.