Hanatour reports a **38% drop in Q3 operating profit** to **5.1 billion won**, driven by high oil prices and a weaker won reducing demand for overseas travel packages. Revenue also declines **9.4% year-over-year** to **111.7 billion won** amid declining consumer spending on international trips. The company cites currency fluctuations and rising fuel costs as key challenges to its travel business.
Korea’s tourism sector thrives despite underlying fragmentation, with **Hanatour**, the largest travel agency, generating **600 billion won annually**. The industry’s revenue contrasts with a highly decentralized structure, where smaller operators dominate. Benchmarking against global competitors highlights Korea’s reliance on a mix of large and niche providers.
Hanatour repatriates around 40 stranded South Korean tourists from Dubai to Taipei. The group departed early Wednesday and arrived the same day. Korean tour agencies coordinate efforts to bring clients home from the Middle East amid travel disruptions.
Hanatour expands its premium travel packages and integrates artificial intelligence to drive growth amid a recovery in Korea’s outbound tourism. The company reports that 54% of its package revenue now comes from mid-to-high-end offerings, while online sales channels account for 52% of total sales. These strategic shifts aim to capitalize on rising demand in the travel sector.
