Overseas group travel costs rise the most in 13 years in Oct. on higher airfare

[Photo by MK DB]

The costs of overseas group travel in South Korea has risen by the most in 13 years in October as airfare and accommodation prices that take up a large portion in package tours soar.

According to Statistics Korea on Tuesday, the consumer price index for overseas group tours stood at 118.49 in October, up 15.9 percent from a year ago, the largest gain in more than 13 years after 17.7 percent in September 2010.

Overall prices have surged in other countries since the Covid-19 pandemic and charter bus driver and accommodation costs have also risen across the board.

Airline routes have not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, leading to a flight shortage. Fuel surcharges have also increased recently in the wake of rising international oil prices.