The Quality Assurance Association announces spring 2018 travel prices: Japan-Korea routes remain stable, New Zealand rises by NT$18,000

▲Group tour prices to New Zealand may rise by around NT$18,000 due to reduced China Airlines flights.

Reporter Yu Jiayun / Taipei reporting

As 2017 draws to a close and the upcoming winter holiday peak season from January to March approaches, the Travel Quality Assurance Association announced today (23rd) the reasonable global travel prices for the next quarter. Among them, group tour prices for the most popular destinations among Taiwanese travelers—Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia—remain roughly the same as the previous quarter. Prices for North America and Canada routes have increased by NT$14,000 to NT$18,000 compared to the previous quarter due to the aurora and cherry blossom viewing seasons. New Zealand has seen about an NT$18,000 increase during the winter holiday period due to rising demand from the Chinese market leading to a shortage of local hotels and tour buses.

Due to strong demand from China and South Korea, Southeast Asia routes, considered the top choice for family trips, student tours, and corporate group travel, have seen group tour prices rise by approximately NT$15,000 to NT$20,000 during the Lunar New Year period compared to the previous quarter. Winter activities such as snow viewing and skiing remain most popular in Japan and Korea. In Japan, prices in various regions have risen by NT$1,500 to NT$3,000 on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, while Korea has seen a decrease of NT$2,000 to NT$3,000 compared to the same period last year.

To boost sales, group tour prices for 7 to 8-day itineraries in the U.S. West and New York have dropped by about NT$1,000 to NT$3,000, with a slight increase of NT$1,000 to NT$2,000 during the winter holiday and Lunar New Year. Additionally, this year Canada’s Air Canada launched direct flights to Vancouver, stimulating demand for aurora-related products. Aurora tours in Northern Europe are also very popular, which has slightly lowered prices for aurora tours in Alaska, North America.

Winter is the off-season for European travel. Tour groups will adjust to more relaxed and leisurely itineraries, with enhanced arrangements for dining and accommodation. As a result, European tours during the Lunar New Year and winter holiday will see a slight upgrade in quality, with group tour prices increasing modestly by NT$1,000 to NT$2,000. However, Chen Hui, General Manager of Phoenix Travel Agency, stated that as long as you avoid popular dates like Christmas or New Year’s Eve, it’s still possible to enjoy long-haul routes at short-haul prices.

For the New Zealand and Australia routes, flight reductions have led to price increases. China Airlines operates 7 weekly flights to Auckland and 3 to Christchurch, 5 fewer than last year. In addition, several Chinese airlines have significantly increased their flights, and the resulting shortage of local hotels and tour buses has also had an impact. Therefore, New Zealand group tour prices are expected to rise by NT$18,000 during the winter holiday and Lunar New Year period.