Want to extend night flight policy to attract tourism development

According to businesses, the night flight policy will promote tourism development, so it is necessary to extend this policy so that businesses can confidently invest in services and upgrade products.

The night flight product linking Vietnam Airlines and a number of hotels in Ho Chi Minh City was launched on July 15. This is a pilot program of Ho Chi Minh City, lasting until September. Initially, this product only includes airfare and accommodation services, targeting individual and independent travelers.

Under the night flight promotion program, passengers can enjoy airfares starting from only VND1,098 million/way (including taxes and fees) along with free or up to 80% discount on the first night's hotel room rate. The promotion applies to customers with flights from after 9 p.m. to before 6 a.m. and a minimum stay of 3 nights.

It is known that Ho Chi Minh City is the first locality to launch the night flight product, linking Vietnam Airlines and 16 hotels. According to Vietnam Airlines, the airline will coordinate with localities to expand the number of accommodation facilities participating in the stimulus program. This is a new step in the effort to link the aviation - tourism industry and localities to stimulate domestic tourism.

Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, assessed that up to now, night flight programs have not been attractive to tourists due to time constraints and additional hotel costs. Therefore, this product package aims to orient tourists to get used to night flights, reduce the frequency of daily flights in the context of high ticket prices, and at the same time balance the benefits for tourists with the discount policy of the accommodation.

In addition, with this policy, airlines will benefit, other sectors such as transportation, restaurants, hotels can take advantage of the night time to develop more business. Instead of only selling during the day and closing at night, now, restaurants and hotels near the airport can completely open when there are night flights.

Marketing Director of Best Price Travel Company, Mr. Bui Thanh Tu, assessed that the night flight product opens up opportunities to stimulate Vietnamese people to travel domestically. Although it is more suitable for independent travelers, it is possible to expand cooperation with travel companies to conduct large group tours.

“If the program is officially applied, I think it will be suitable for travel agencies to organize to welcome conference and seminar groups to Ho Chi Minh City. Night flights will help reduce immigration and traffic problems. Along with that, businesses will be able to build many diverse tour programs to serve groups of customers during the day,” Mr. Tu shared.

It can be seen that this is a positive solution, partly relieving the fear of high airfares today. If this model is widely replicated, it will bring many economic benefits to tourists, operators and localities.

Currently, there are a number of accommodation establishments in Ho Chi Minh City that have registered to participate with a 20 - 100% discount on room rates for the first night, from the second night the listed price or 60% discount will apply and additional promotions such as food and beverage services, pick-up and drop-off, etc.

Mr. Tran Khang Duy, General Director of Odys Boutique Hotel, informed that the hotel is currently offering a 50% discount on the first night and a 35% discount on the next two nights, along with a 20% discount on the restaurant menu. In particular, from 6am to 10pm, the hotel offers a free dish at the restaurant.

“With the night flight policy, I expect room capacity to increase by 5-8% to optimize business in the coming time,” said Mr. Duy.

As for Silverland Sakyo Hotel, in addition to the 55% discount for the first night, this hotel also applies a 60% discount for guests staying 2 nights or more. If booking 3 nights or more, there will be free airport transfers, making it convenient for travelers flying at night because it is difficult to find transportation at this time.

Ms. Lam Thi Thuy Trang, Manager of Silverland Sakyo Hotel expressed: “We highly appreciate this program of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, creating conditions for tourists to stay, enjoy services, participate in tours and learn about the cuisine of Ho Chi Minh City. This program is only applicable until September 30, so we hope that Ho Chi Minh City will extend the night flight policy to attract tourists to the City in general and the Silverland chain in particular.”

Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Tran Hoang Phuong, Director of the Institute of Tourism and Society Research, said that if the program is implemented consistently, it will create a unique product, attracting a large number of tourists to Ho Chi Minh City to experience nighttime entertainment services. From there, it will create more momentum to promote the development of the night-time economy, services such as accommodation, restaurants, transportation, trading, etc. will increase revenue.

It is known that by September 2024, after 2 months of testing, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism will discuss and consider developing this product with businesses, possibly building other promotional programs such as airport shuttle services, dining, etc.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/mong-muon-gia-han-chinh-sach-bay-dem-de-tao-suc-hut-phat-trien-du-lich-d222525.html