Tourism could see boost with night flights

From July 15 to the end of September, Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with Vietnam Airlines and several local hotels, is piloting a night-flight scheme aimed at enhancing tourism.

Le Truong Hien Hoa, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, believes this will create a boost to travel numbers as it offers more options and savings for customers.

"Previously, night flights were unappealing due to time constraints and additional hotel costs. This new package aims to acclimate travellers to night flights, reduce daytime flight congestion amid rising ticket prices, and balance benefits for travellers with discounted accommodation rates," said Hoa.

"Airlines will benefit from this policy, and other sectors such as transportation, restaurants, and hotels can capitalise on nighttime business opportunities. Instead of closing at night, restaurants and hotels near the airport can now stay open when night flights are scheduled," he added.

Under the night flight promotional scheme, passengers can enjoy airfares starting at just around $45 per one-way trip with taxes and fees included, along with free or up to 80 per cent off the first night's hotel stay. The offer applies to flights departing between 9pm and 6am, with a minimum three-night stay.

Additionally, participating accommodation providers offer discounts ranging from 20 to 100 per cent off the first night's stay. Subsequent nights are charged at the listed rate or with up to a 60 per cent discount, including promotional packages like dining and transportation services.

At Odys Boutique Hotel, one of the participating establishments, customers receive a 50 per cent discount on the first night's stay and 35 per cent off the next two nights, along with a 20 per cent discount on the restaurant menu. Additionally, between 6am and 10pm, the hotel offers a complimentary dish at the restaurant.

Tran Khang Duy, general manager of Odys Boutique Hotel, said, "With the night-flight policy, I expect room occupancy to increase by 5 to 8 per cent to optimise business in the near future."

Meanwhile, at Silverland Sakyo Hotel, in addition to a 55 per cent discount on the first night, the hotel offers a 60 per cent discount for guests staying two or more nights. For bookings of three or more nights, airport transfers are provided free of charge, making it easier for night-flight passengers to find transportation during off-peak hours.

Lam Thi Thuy Trang, manager of Silverland Sakyo Hotel, said, "We highly appreciate this offering by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, which facilitates guests' stay, service enjoyment, participation in tours, and exploration of the city's cuisine. As this initiative is only in effect until September 30, we hope the city will extend the night flight policy to attract more tourists to Ho Chi Minh City and to the Silverland chain."

Though seen as more suitable for independent travellers, Bui Thanh Tu, marketing manager of BestPrice Travel, believes the night flight product opens opportunities for travel companies to organise large group tours.

"If the scheme is officially implemented, it will be suitable for travel agencies organising conferences and seminars in Ho Chi Minh City. Night flights will help ease immigration and traffic issues. Additionally, businesses can develop diverse tour programmes catering to groups during the day," said Thu.

Nguyen Tran Hoang Phuong, head of the Institute of Social Tourism Research, believes that the night-flight initiative will create a distinctive product, attracting many tourists to Ho Chi Minh City to experience nighttime entertainment services. This will further boost the nighttime economy, increasing revenue from services such as accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and retail.

After a trial of two months, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism will discuss with businesses to consider further developing the scheme.

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