Ho Chi Minh City Encourages Night Flights

The plan to promote night flight packages was announced by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism on the afternoon of July 15. The Department, in coordination with the airline, travel agencies, and accommodation providers, is developing a range of night-flight products to encourage tourists to use these services during the peak summer travel season.

As part of the program, Vietnam Airlines, in collaboration with accommodation providers, is offering combined packages with reasonably priced flights during the hours before 6 AM and after 9 PM. Travelers booking flights within these hours can receive free or up to 80% discounted first-night stays, with a minimum stay of three nights.

Currently, 16 tourist accommodation establishments in Ho Chi Minh City have registered to participate, offering discounts from 20% to 100% off the first night's room rate based on listed prices. From the second night onward, the listed rate or a 60% discount will apply, depending on each establishment's specific policies and conditions.

Dong Khanh Hotel offers a 100% discount on the first night's room rate, with subsequent nights charged at the full rate. The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel representative stated they offer a 49% discount on the first night's room rate, a 53% discount from the second night onward, including services such as a buffet breakfast, daily afternoon mini buffet, and free access to the pool, gym, sauna, and steam bath. Muong Thanh Luxury Saigon Hotel offers a 45% discount on the first night's room rate, with subsequent nights at the listed rate, and free one-way airport transfer between 10 AM and 10 PM on the day of check-out, with a minimum stay of three nights. The Liberty Central Saigon hotel chain offers a 50% discount on the first night's room rate, with subsequent nights at the listed rate.

A Vietnam Airlines representative reported that from May to June, the airline recorded occupancy rates of 75% to 94% on night flights (between 9 PM and 5 AM) to key tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Quy Nhon, and Phu Quoc.

"This positive performance results from the rapid and comprehensive implementation of various cooperative activities and programs between the airline and provinces, cities, and partners," said the Vietnam Airlines representative.

The city’s Department of Tourism hopes that these night flight packages will attract more tourists to Ho Chi Minh City during the summer and the second half of the year.

Previously, to meet the increased travel demand during the peak summer season, airlines had added numerous night flights, helping to reduce ticket prices. However, some airline representatives noted that night flights have not been very attractive to passengers, leading to the cancellation of many flights.

Travel agency representatives mentioned that night flights are less popular due to the additional hotel costs. Therefore, there needs to be collaboration between airlines, hotels, and travel companies to create packages with favorable prices for travelers, ensuring the benefits of all parties without causing inconvenience to customers.

According to statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the total number of tourists visiting the city in the first six months of the year reached over 19.7 million. International visitors to the city were estimated at 2.7 million, up 38% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching nearly 45% of the annual target. Domestic tourists totaled over 17 million, up 4.4% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 45% of the annual target. Ho Chi Minh City led the country in tourism revenue for the first half of the year, with 92.6 trillion VND, an increase of nearly 15% compared to the same period in 2023.

Bích Phương