As Labor Day weekend (September 2), one of the three major golden holidays in the travel industry alongside Memorial Day and Independence Day, approaches, Korean travel agencies in LA are attracting travelers with a wide range of packages. These offerings include everything from unique local tours ideal for a quick getaway to popular long-distance travel packages.

According to insiders in LA's Korean tourism industry, there has been a surge in inquiries about travel packages specifically curated for the four-day Labor Day weekend from August 30 to September 2. Some of the most popular packages have already sold out due to high demand. Travel agents are advising people to book as soon as possible, as this weekend is expected to be the peak booking period. Family and small group tours are particularly popular this Labor Day.

Shin Young-im, Vice President of Samho Tour, stated, “Despite high inflation, the desire to travel among Korean-Americans continues, and reservation rates for travel packages targeting this year's Labor Day weekend have actually increased compared to last year. There has been particularly high interest in exclusive routes offered by Samho Tour, such as the Canadian Rockies and Mount Rushmore.” According to Samho Tour, about 80% of their special Labor Day packages have been booked, including the 4-night, 5-day Canadian Rockies (Victoria Marriott) tour departing on August 29, the 3-night, 4-day Yellowstone-Grand Teton tour departing on August 30, and the 3-night, 4-day Mount Rushmore tour. Their local tours using Samho Tour’s VVIP buses are also popular. The most inquired about packages for the 3-night, 4-day tours departing on August 31 include Antelope Canyon-Monument Valley-Lake Powell ($529), San Francisco-Redwood ($499), and Zion-Bryce Canyon (with a 1-night stay in Las Vegas, $549). Currently, about 70% of their local bus tours have been booked.

Shin added, “For those who haven’t yet planned their trip, booking flights and hotels individually during the holiday premium period could be costly. However, using a travel agency allows you to enjoy expertly curated tours at a lower price.”

Steve Cho, Executive Director of Aju Tour, also reported that family-friendly packages are quickly selling out for this Labor Day weekend. “Reservation rates for this year’s Labor Day travel packages have increased by about 35% compared to last year,” he said. According to Aju Tour, there is high demand for destinations like Yosemite, Tioga Pass, Monument Valley, and Antelope Canyon, with the 3-night, 4-day Yellowstone tour departing on August 30 ($748) and the 2-night, 3-day Yosemite-Tioga Pass-Mammoth tour departing on August 31 ($299) showing high reservation rates.

Cho commented, “From the moment you choose your travel destination, plan your trip, and embark on your journey, the excitement is already part of the travel experience. I believe that travel is a necessary pause in life. I hope many hardworking Korean-Americans will take a good trip and find healing.”

Park Tae-joon, Director of Green Tour, noted, “This year’s most popular Green Tour Labor Day package is the 2-night, 3-day Yellowstone tour ($699).” He added, “For those who prefer not to travel long distances, the 1-night, 2-day California Healing Tour, which includes stops at Solvang, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Avila Beach, and Santa Barbara ($399), is also very popular.” Park encouraged inquiries, highlighting the unique aspects of Green Tour’s packages, which focus on dining, accommodations, and sightseeing.

Mirae Tour, which specializes in overseas travel packages such as those to Europe, the Mediterranean, and Latin America, reports that homeland tourism, including trips to Korea during the Labor Day holiday, is popular. A representative from Mirae Tour noted, “For employees, there’s a trend of taking vacation time that includes the holiday to visit Korea, where they can travel and also receive a VIP comprehensive health checkup.”

<Hwang, Eui-kyung>