Travel to Japan during Chinese New Year can cost up to 20,000 yuan more; Hokkaido 5-day tours can exceed 79,500 yuan

▲ Hokkaido offers a rich variety of winter-themed experiences, with tour prices reaching up to 79,500 yuan. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong, same below)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Taipei Reporting

To help consumers understand travel market conditions across various destinations from January to March 2016, the Republic of China Tourism Quality Assurance Association today (December 4) released reference travel prices for this period. As January 2016 coincides with the presidential election,regions including Southeast Asia and South Korea have launched promotional packages for the election period, with average tour costs reduced by 1,500–2,000 yuan. But as the popular 9-day Lunar New Year holiday arrives, prices across destinations have gone up. Japan has seen an increase of about 5,000–20,000 yuan, while the U.S. has risen by 15,000–18,000 yuan.

Northeast Asia
JapanTours mainly focus on snow activities, hot springs, and visits to theme parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios. In Hokkaido, winter offers themes like the Sapporo Snow Festival, ice-breaking ships, ice festivals, the Kamui Mintara (Ainu for “Playground of the Gods”) sightseeing train, and the Shirakaba (White Birch) Ice Falls at Shiomi Canyon, all of which have boosted demand. Compared to the same period last year, overall prices have increased by about 1,000–3,000 yuan. During winter vacation and Chinese New Year, prices are also higher than usual, rising by 5,000–20,000 yuan. A 5-day luxury Hokkaido tour departing for Chinese New Year is priced as high as 75,900 yuan.

South KoreaThe region’s winter offerings include snow viewing and snow play. Seoul area prices are about 2,000 yuan higher than in autumn, and about 3,000 yuan more during Chinese New Year. Around the time of the election, special discount prices were offered, reducing tour costs by approximately 2,000 yuan.

▲ Winter itineraries for Japan and South Korea are still mostly focused on snow-viewing themes.

Southeast Asia
Affected by the presidential election, Southeast Asia has launched many promotional tours. There are also family-oriented charter flights to destinations such as\抢锏骸⒙?取⑵占?⑺绽占/span> during the Spring Festival period. Prices rise by about 2,000 yuan or more during winter vacation.

Mainland China
Due to weather factors, some parts of mainland China have entered the off-season for tourism. Therefore, regions such as North China, Central-South China, Southwest China, and Northwest China have seen price drops of 1,000–15,000 yuan. East China and Northeast China still feature scenic highlights, so prices have risen by 2,000–5,000 yuan, with an additional increase of 3,000–8,000 yuan during the Lunar New Year.

▲ A trip to the U.S. West Coast featuring the Grand Canyon and major theme cities sees the highest Spring Festival price hike of up to 18,000 yuan.

Americas & Canada Region
United StatesTours mainly focus on classic cities on both coasts combined with theme parks and the Grand Canyon. Due to the aurora charter flight effect, winter aurora tours have also gained popularity. However, with the increase in Spring Festival airfares, there is a price hike of 15,000–18,000 yuan for winter vacation and Chinese New Year.CanadaAlso increased by 12,000–18,000 yuan.

Europe Region
Winters in Europe are cold with short daylight hours, so itineraries focus on indoor attractions, or offer upgraded experiences such as Michelin meals and hotel upgrades. Coupled with rising Spring Festival airfares, there is an increase of about 3,000–8,000 yuan for winter vacation and Chinese New Year.

Middle East, Central Asia, Africa Region
Affected by EVA Air’s new direct flight route from Taipei toTurkeyIstanbul, launching on March 5, significant growth is expected. However, it is still currently the off-season, so prices are about 3,000–5,000 yuan lower than the previous quarter. During winter vacation and Chinese New Year, prices will rise by 5,000–8,000 yuan.South Africa, IndiaThe region enters its summer peak season, but South African visa approvals are not easy, and with airline ticket prices decreasing, the usual rates have dropped by 2,000 to 5,000 yuan compared to the previous season.

▲ Europe’s winter climate is unfavorable, so itineraries mostly prioritize indoor attractions. (Photo / Sourced from Wikipedia)

New Zealand and Australia Region
The New Zealand and Australia region enters its summer peak season starting in January. Coupled with the boost from TV program shootings, it has become a popular travel destination from January to March. However, thanks to favorable exchange rates and airline pricing, the usual rates have decreased by 2,000 yuan compared to the previous season. During the winter vacation and Chinese New Year period, prices increase by a minimum of 10,000 to 15,000 yuan.

Indochina Peninsula
Due to the increasing presence of low-cost airlines in the Indochina Peninsula market, airfare prices have been driven down. Additionally, Vietnam has reduced visa fees, resulting in an overall price drop of 500 to 1,000 yuan compared to the previous season. However, during the winter vacation and Chinese New Year period, prices rise by 2,000 to 3,000 yuan.

Domestic Travel
Weekends during January to March are the main travel periods, and plum blossom viewing trips in February and March are also highly popular. Compared to last year and the previous season, overall prices have remained stable. However, themes such as traveling during Chinese New Year and reunion dinners on New Year's Eve are in high demand, so it is advisable to plan early.