New Vietnam Airlines flights spur Indonesians' wanderlust

INDONESIA outbound operators are seeing stronger traveller interest in Vietnam for the year-end holidays, following the introduction of direct flights to the destination.

Industry sources said the December 2 launch of Vietnam Airlines’ new direct service between Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City – the first such link between the two countries – was timely in attracting Indonesia’s year-end holidaymakers.

Elok Tour managing director, Pauline Suharno, said: “Vietnam is a new destination in the ASEAN region. We have started to see demand from (travellers) who are looking for a new place to (visit).”

Golden Rama Tours and Travel general manager, Edhi Sutadharma, said: “The launch of Vietnam Airlines’ direct flight has enticed traffic for the year-end holidays, especially when the airline is offering promotional rates (to celebrate the launch).”

Vietnam Airline is currently offering a US$300 return ticket for the three-hour flight between the two cities.

“This is the first time we have created packages to Vietnam and have seen immediate response from travellers,” said Sutadharma.

The service will first be operated four times a week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with a possibility of increased frequency when demand grows, according to Vietnam Airlines general manager Indonesia, Nghiem Van Khanh.

Sourced: TTG Asia