BANGKOK, 20 July 2023: Thai Airways International will introduce five weekly flights starting 2 August from Bangkok to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s most northern island.
The service operating as a daily flight paused on 30 April 2023 and will resume with five weekly flights from 2 August to 29 October 2023, using a Boeing 787-9 with a two-class cabin configuration; business and economy. Flight time between the two cities is seven hours and 50 minutes.
Flight TG670 will depart Bangkok at 2345 and arrive in Sapporo at 0830 the following morning. Flights depart on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Flight TG671 will depart Sapporo at 1000 and arrive in Bangkok at 1500 Flights depart on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
“Sapporo, the capital of the mountainous northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, is famous for its beer, skiing and annual Sapporo Snow Festival featuring enormous ice sculptures. The Sapporo Beer Museum traces the city’s brewing history and has tastings and a beer garden. Ski hills and jumps from the 1972 Winter Olympics are scattered within the city limits, and Niseko, a renowned ski resort, is located near the city.” (Wikipedia)
A popular op sightseeing spot for photographers is Hokkaido’s Otaru Canal which runs through the city centre. It is also famous for its museums, shopping malls, and seafood dishes.
THAI AirAsia X plans to start a flight between Bangkok and Sapporo on 29 October 2023.
KUALA LUMPUR, 20 July 2023: MyEco Discovery (a member of MyUS Group) soft launched ClubRock Perlis, the first-ever rock climbing base camp and eco-adventure hub in the Malaysian state this week.
Perlis chief minister YAB Tuan Mohd Shukri Bin Ramli, launched the event at KL Eco City, kick-starting ClubRock’s roadshows in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, and Perlis, leading up to its public opening in January 2024 to welcome Visit Perlis Year 2024-2025.
ClubRock Perlis is set to revolutionise tourism in Perlis, offering an unmatched experience for rock climbing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. (Centre) Menteri Besar of Perlis, YAB Tuan Mohd Shukri bin RamIi launching the event with Executive Chairman and Group CEO of MyUS Group of Companies, Dato’ Nellsen Young and YAM Sharifah Khatreena Nuraniah.
Situated in Gua Kelam, ClubRock Perlis spans over 23,000sq ft. It features 35 rooms and five premium camps, each accommodating up to four people. Accommodating up to 160 guests, ClubRock Perlis Malaysia’s first rock climbing base camp and eco-adventure hub will help to redefine the state’s tourism.
Perlis is the perfect setting for rock climbing, boasting limestone cliffs, large caves and fresh routes. The state’s mountainous national park in the west offers challenging climbing opportunities, while the flat regions showcase breathtaking limestone monoliths.
“We are thrilled to introduce ClubRock Perlis, Malaysia’s first rock climbing base camp and eco-adventure hub in Perlis,” said MyUS Group executive chairman CEO Dato Nellsen Young.
“Perlis’ natural beauty is exceptional and a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts, and ClubRock Perlis aims to put the state on the map of world rock climbing. Our mission is to create a space for education, development, community growth, and exploration. We invite visitors to immerse themselves in Perlis’ natural wonders while enjoying modern amenities and thrilling adventure activities.”
During the soft launch, ClubRock Perlis introduced its exclusive Adventure Package, a three-day, two-night stay for four persons, including breakfast.
Guests can participate in activities such as Gua Kelam Caving, rock climbing sessions, and nature walks. The package includes a special dinner at a popular grilled fish restaurant, return transfers from the train or bus station for four persons, and redeemable vouchers worth over MYR3,000 for discounts on activities and attractions in Perlis.
To celebrate its launch, ClubRock Perlis offers a promotional code, “ClubRock100”, that allows guests to purchase the package for MYR399, saving MYR100. The package can accommodate four people and is redeemable on the ClubRock Perlis website, www.clubrock.com.my, throughout the roadshow.
“ClubRock Perlis is set to revolutionise tourism in Perlis, offering an unmatched experience for rock climbing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike,” concluded Dato Nellsen.
For more information, visit www.clubrock.com.my and follow weareClubRock on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the nationwide roadshow and MATTA Fair participation.
SINGAPORE, 20 July 2023: Qantas has brought forward the planned increase in Singapore flights from March 2024 to November 2023 in response to strong demand, the airline reports this week.
In a press statement issued by the airline’s Singapore office, the airline confirmed flight increases on its Singapore-Melbourne and Singapore -Sydney roundtrip services.
“From November 2023, Singapore-Melbourne will increase from 10 to 14 return flights per week, offering customers double daily services to Melbourne and adding more than 2,700 seats weekly.
At the same time, Singapore-Sydney will increase from 14 to 15 return flights per week.”
The airline is also adding more flights from Asia to Australia later this year as it restores capacity in line with strong travel demand and the broader recovery of the aviation industry.
Other changes planned from late October 2023:
• A Shanghai-Sydney service will resume for the first time in more than three years with daily A330 flights.
• Hong Kong-Melbourne will increase from four per week to daily.
• Flights from Japan to Australia will double, increasing from 14 to 28 per week, offering the choice of four daily flights from Tokyo from late November.
• Delhi-Melbourne will increase from three to six per week over the peak Australian summer season.
SINGAPORE, 20 July 2023: Japan has been knocked off the top spot on the Henley Passport Index for the first time in five years and bumped to third place, according to the latest ranking, which is based on exclusive official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Singapore is now officially the most powerful passport in the world, with its citizens able to visit 192 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free. Germany, Italy, and Spain all move up into second place with visa-free access to 190 destinations, and Japanese passport holders join those of six other nations — Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Sweden — in third place with access to189 destinations without a prior visa.
Photo credit: Henley Passport Index.
ASEAN passports
Thailand languishes in 64th place, with its citizens eligible for visa-free travel to 79 countries or territories, but it did better than Indonesia (69 with 73 destinations). Malaysia was the highest ranked in ASEAN after Singapore (top worldwide ranking), gaining the 11th rank with 180 visa-free destinations. Brunei registered 20th with 166 visa-free destinations. The Philippines passport ranked 74 gets you visa-free travel to 66 destinations. As for the rest of ASEAN, Vietnam and Cambodia shared the 82nd space. Laos registered at 87, and Myanmar managed 89th place.
The UK appears to have finally turned the corner after a six-year decline, jumping up two places on the latest ranking to fourth place — a position it last held in 2017. On the other hand, the US continues its decade-long slide down the index, plummeting a further two places to the 8th spot with access to just 184 destinations visa-free. The UK and the US jointly held 1st place on the index nearly 10 years ago in 2014 but have been on a downward trajectory ever since. Afghanistan remains entrenched at the bottom of the Henley Passport Index, with a visa-free access score of just 27, followed by Iraq (score of 29) and Syria (score of 30) — the three weakest passports in the world.
The general trend over the history of the 18-year-old ranking has been towards greater travel freedom, with the average number of destinations travellers can access visa-free nearly doubling from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2023. However, the global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than ever, with top-ranked Singapore able to access 165 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan. Check your country’s ranking here: Henley Passport Index,
America’s diminishing passport power
Of the countries in the Top 10, the US has seen the smallest increase in its score on the Henley Passport Index over the past decade, securing visa-free access to just 12 additional destinations between 2013 and 2023. Singapore, by comparison, has increased its score by 25, pushing it five places up the ranking over the past 10 years to the number one spot.
Links between visa-free access and openness
Henley & Partners has researched the relationship between a country’s openness to foreigners — how many nations it allows to cross its borders visa-free — and its citizens’ travel freedom, gauged using the Henley Passport Index. The new Henley Openness Index ranks all 199 countries worldwide according to the number of nationalities they permit entry to without a prior visa.
The Top 20 ‘most open’ countries are all small island nations or African states, except Cambodia. Twelve completely open countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to all 198 passports in the world (not counting their own), namely: Burundi, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Micronesia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Samoa, Seychelles, Timor-Leste, and Tuvalu.
At the bottom of the Henley Openness Index, four countries score zero, permitting no visa-free access for any passport: namely, Afghanistan, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, and Turkmenistan. They are followed by five countries that provide visa-free access to fewer than five other nationalities: namely, Libya, Bhutan, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, and India.
KUALA LUMPUR, 19 July 2023: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has elected Nigel Wong as its new president for a two-year term (2023-2025) at the 48th Annual General Meeting. He replaces Datuk Tan Kok Liang, who served three full terms (2017 to 2023).
Photo credit: MATTA
Wong has served as a member of the MATTA Executive Council for over 10 years as the vice president of research and technology (2013-2015), honorary secretary general (2015-2021) and most recently as honorary treasurer (2021-2023).
Wong commented on his appointment: “I am honoured to be elected president, and I am fully aware of the travel industry’s challenges. “Our key objectives have not changed; we will look into improving business prospects for our members, fostering innovation, and advocating for more favourable conditions that will benefit not just our members but the entire travel and tourism industry.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the past presidents, their work and the strong foundations they have built. We will continue to build and expand on these foundations and develop new initiatives and programs focusing on growth and sustainability to help our members remain competitive in a volatile and ever-changing tourism landscape,” he added.
The newly elected Executive Council for the term 2023-2025 will intensify engagement with various key stakeholders and the authorities at national and state levels to elevate the standard and delivery of tourism services in Malaysia.
“I hope that the incoming president, Nigel Wong, and his team will be able to solve the many pending crucial tourism issues which have remained unresolved. Despite the efforts of the past presidents of MATTA and the many tourism ministers that have come and gone, many of the longstanding issues remain embedded in government bureaucracy”, former president Datuk Tan Kok Liang noted.
PHNOM PENH 19 July 2023: Song Saa Private Island and Foundation, established in Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago, celebrates its 10th anniversary, pioneering “sustainable luxury tourism”.
To celebrate the anniversary, the resort launched a four-night escape stay package, ‘Journeys of Change, designed by the Song Saa Private Island and Foundation CEO and founder Melita Koulmandas.
Photo credit: Song Saa Private Island and Foundation.
“I am thrilled to celebrate this 10-year milestone for Song Saa Private Island and Foundation. The package reflects our 10-year journey of change as a leader in developing wellness and sustainability practices grounded in local culture and community-led initiatives,” explains Melita.
Discovery guidebook
The island escape begins by browsing pre-arrival, an inspiring Discovery Guidebook designed to create a bespoke journey. A dedicated Song Saa Journey Curator crafts the tailored itinerary based on a minimum four-night stay in one-bedroom jungle villas.
Inclusive rate
The four-night package price starts at USD7,050, available to book from now until 31 October 2023 for a stay valid until 31 October 2024.
The all-inclusive rate includes house wine, beers, and cocktails served in the villa. The package features three 90-minute spa treatments per person and a one-hour private yoga session.
Song Saa Sanctuary comprises several private treatment rooms in the island’s rainforest and along the water’s edge to provide a gentle space for guests. A sunset cocktail with the foundation team allows guests to learn about how Song Saa created initiatives, such as establishing Cambodia’s first Marine park over 15 years ago.
Marine conservation activities
For a more hands-on experience, guests can accompany the marine biologists on their expeditions to explore coral reefs or help map and preserve seagrass to gain a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of marine conservation. Reef Cleans, a highlight of the foundation’s engaging work, is also offered to guests who want to get directly involved with the conservation efforts.
Culture and Community
Guests booking a “Journeys of Change” stay will have the opportunity to participate in cultural expeditions led by the Song Saa Foundation.
For example, the “Sala Song Saa” experience allows guests to join the conservation team to tour Prek Svay village on a neighbouring island to observe the foundation’s projects that support the local community.
Guests can also venture out on the Boat of Hope or participate in the Library of Hope, both initiatives that deliver essential services to local villages across the archipelago. This transformative experience offers guests valuable insights into local communities and how they interact with their environment.
About Song Saa
With its dedication to sustainability and eco-tourism, Song Saa Private Island has been honoured with many prestigious accolades such as Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold Standard, Condé Nast Traveller’s World’s Best Resort Hotel, National Geographic’s Leaders in Sustainable Tourism and Winner of the Eco Award.
BANGKOK, 19 July 2023: Dusit Hotels and Resorts under Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is making its Nepal debut with the opening of Dusit Princess Kathmandu (17 July) and Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel on 24 July.
Focus on wellness
Designed to appeal to business and leisure travellers who appreciate comfort, value, and convenience, Dusit Princess Kathmandu is located in the heart of the capital’s Lazimpat neighbourhood, a short walk from Narayanhiti Palace Museum and just 18 minutes by car from Tribhuvan International Airport.
Junior Suite bathroomSuperior King
Must-visit attractions such as Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa, one of Nepal’s oldest and most revered temple complexes, are just a short drive away.
Designed to reflect local culture and architecture, the property offers an oasis of relaxation amidst the buzz of the city. Alongside 107 rooms ranging from 28 to 62 sqm and a Presidential Suite set over 159 sqm, the new property boasts a speciality Thai restaurant Soi; a Dusit Gourmet outlet featuring freshly baked pastries, artisanal sandwiches, and deli bites; and rooftop Kibu Sky Lounge with panoramic city views. The rooftop Blue bar also boasts the city’s highest infinity pool.
Reflecting Dusit’s group-wide focus on wellness, Dusit Princess Kathmandu will soon open its Crest spa offering a wide range of Thai-inspired massage therapies and beauty treatments. A steam room, sauna, and fully equipped Crest Club with a gym are also available for guests seeking to pause, refresh, and reinvigorate in the utmost comfort.
Dusit Princess Kathmandu offers a selection of versatile meeting spaces for business functions, weddings, and other special events. Among them is the stunning rooftop venue, ‘Vista,’ featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic city views for up to 35 guests. The elegant Princess Ballroom is available to host larger gatherings of up to 250 attendees, while Lumbini 1 and Lumbini 2 are available for meetings and small groups of up to 35-40 guests. The Gallery provides an open space above the lobby for informal small gatherings. With a dedicated team of professionals ensuring personalised attention to every detail, the hotel promises an exceptional event experience.
Hotel Exterior
Himalayan foothills
Hot on the heels of the opening of Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel will open its doors in the Himalayan foothills between the Mahabharat range and Alpine highland ridge on 24 July 2023. This beautiful location is approximately one hour’s drive from Tribhuvan International Airport and 10 minutes from Namo Buddha, one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
The new property provides a tranquil escape amidst nature and is Dhulikhel’s first luxury-branded resort. It aims to become a must-visit wellness destination that contributes to the well-being of visitors and the community. From personalised butler service to customised wellness activities to exclusive dining experiences, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel has been crafted to deliver a bespoke guest experience.
Alongside 54 spacious and elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites ranging from 47 sqm to 57 sqm, and 18 exclusive villas ranging from 124 sqm to 247 sqm, the resort features a wide range of facilities for business and leisure.
At the heart of the property is the exclusive Devarana Wellness. This tranquil space features a traditional Thai healing spa, fitness and movement centre, outdoor infinity pool and Jacuzzi, and dedicated spaces for mindful and energising activities such as Yoga and meditation. Making the most of the resort’s stunning location, guests can also arrange multi-day retreats and wellness programmes supported by invigorating activities such as bike riding and hiking to local villages Phulbari and Panchkhal, where they can immerse themselves in the area’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Encompassed by a community-managed forest and paddy fields, the resort is a sanctuary to over 80 rare and exotic species of birds, providing unique opportunities to engage with nature. Dhulikhel Zipline is located nearby, and other adventurous activities, such as rafting and bungee jumping, are available within a two-hour drive. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is approximately one hour away.
The resort embraces a farm-to-table concept and sources the finest local ingredients for dining. Guests can indulge in a diverse and mouthwatering selection of Thai, Nepalese, Indian, and Asian delicacies at Thaan Restaurant, tuck into seasonal small plates paired with Shisha and creative cocktails at poolside bar Bela, and book a personalised, exclusive dining experience with a dedicated chef. To enhance comfort and privacy, guests can relish their meals on the balconies of their guest rooms, enjoying sweeping views of the valley and the awe-inspiring 180-degree Himalayan vista.
With a manicured lawn and an elegant grand ballroom accommodating up to 350 guests, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel also provides an idyllic setting for weddings and large-scale events. Smaller meeting rooms are available for business conferences, workshops, training sessions, and other small-scale professional functions. A dedicated team of event organisers stands ready to arrange and oversee every aspect of these gatherings – and provide the personalised service for which Dusit is renowned.
“We are thrilled and delighted to unveil Dusit Princess Kathmandu and Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel, marking our highly anticipated debut in Nepal,” said Dusit International chief operating officer Gilles Cretallaz. “With our distinctive fusion of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and local cultural nuances, we look forward to creating lasting impressions for our guests and the communities we serve. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners and the welcoming communities in Nepal for their tremendous support. Together, we are excited to shape a prosperous future filled with memorable and meaningful experiences that celebrate the remarkable essence of this extraordinary destination.”
Dusit’s debut in Nepal expands the company’s global portfolio to 54 properties operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and over 240 luxury villas under Elite Havens, across 19 countries. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide.
Opening offers
To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Kathmandu presents a special opening offer – Your New Kathmandu Base – starting at NPR16,500 (USD125) per night for a superior room with breakfast for two and a set dinner at the speciality Thai restaurant Soi.
Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel, meanwhile, is offering a special New Himalayan Hideaway room package including daily breakfast at Thaan, complimentary afternoon tea at Bela Bar, a complimentary 30-minute neck and shoulder massage at Devarana Wellness for two, a 15% discount on F&B and spa treatments, a complimentary guided visit to Namo Buddha, and more exclusive benefits.
These offers are valid until 17 September 2023 (Kathmandu and 31 August 2023 (Dhulikhel). For more information, visit dusit-international.com
KUCHING, 19 July 2023: The Annual Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival 2023 is back again this year, convening from 18 to 20 August 2023 at the Sarawak Culture Village, 35 km from downtown Kuching.
The three-day festival is organised by Sarawak Culture Village (SCV) with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP). It aims to celebrate the diversity of ethnic groups in Sarawak and help locals and foreigners appreciate other cultures worldwide.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, YB Dato Sri YB Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, forecasts the festival will attract 6,000 people to SCV and another 20,000 people participating through live streaming.
The festival draws people from different backgrounds to meet, discuss and compare notes on traditional cultures through the exchange of ideas, portrayal of dances, music, arts and crafts. With their interactive cultural activities, those participating can learn something new about other cultures and value each’s cultural heritage.
Amongst the highlights of the festival will be the musical drama staging “Rentap ~ The Battle of Bukit Sadak”, which can also be accessed through “Live Streaming” on the event’s website www.sarawakharvestfestival.com.my
The musical depicts a legendary and fearless Iban Warrior, Rentap, who fought gallantly against James Brooke and his men in the 19th Century. The story will unfold of fierce loyalty and sacrifices, where it is a battle between the forces of good and evil, jealousy and revenge.
Part of the festival, the Tribal Ironman Challenge 2023, is hosted from 19 to 20 August 2023 at Sarawak Cultural Village. Established in 2006, the event tests participants’ skills in traditional sporting activities. Only 15 contestants are selected to join the final round and vie for the title of Tribal Ironman Challenge 2023.
Another event on the calendar that appeals to folk dance enthusiasts is the Santubong International Folk Dance Competition from 3 to 4 November 2023 at the Sarawak Culture Village Theatre in Kuching.
SINGAPORE, 19 July 2023: Business travel continues to grow, with a projected 188% rise forecast over the next five years, but at the same time, costs are expanding
In response to these trends, a seasoned business travel expert offers nine tips – from taking flights on the half-hour mark and early weekdays to booking eight days in advance – to help businesses get more value from their travel in the next financial year.
Photo credit: FCM insights.
FCM Asia managing director Bertrand Saillet says: “As travel experts, we know the tricks of the trade to secure the most convenient, cost-effective travel options for corporates that travel regularly. Here are some money-saving hacks that business travellers have tried and tested over the years.”
“FCM Asia has helped more than 7,000 businesses with their travel through a whole suite of offerings, from expert advice through dedicated travel managers and 24/7 support to innovative booking technology and AI-powered travel assistants. Our team knows that, ultimately, service, efficiency and value are priceless for businesses, which is why many of these hacks will also improve the travel experience and save time,” added Saillet.
Here are nine travel hacks to cut business costs
Save up to 20% on airfares by booking eight to 14 days ahead. FCM Asia’s experience shows that the cheapest domestic airfares are those booked eight to 14 days before departure. Airlines tend to release cheaper seats around this time to fill their flights. Business meetings are often arranged one to two weeks ahead, so this hack is more useful to businesses than leisure travellers.
Book flights on the quarter-hour or half-hour for cheaper fares. FCM Asia’s veteran business flyers swear by this rule, and they put this down to a classic case of supply and demand. Flights that leave on the hour are more costly, as they are booked more frequently. For example, an executive assistant or travel booker might be instructed by management to book a flight at 0800, and they will simply book a flight at that exact time. By booking flights 15 or 30 minutes on either side of the hour, travel bookers can find a less busy, and therefore more affordable, option.
Book early-week flights. Google Flights data shows that, on average, flights that depart on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday have been 12% cheaper than weekend departures. This hack will be useful for business travellers who have the flexibility to book early-week meetings. Late-week flights, while more expensive, come with other bonuses: a traveller may be paying more for a Friday flight, but they have the added advantage of taking on a weekend away in that destination.
Stick to one or two airline rewards programmes. It’s tempting to sign up for every rewards programme, but FCM Asia recommends maximising just one or two of the major ones and growing your membership status. The most covetable perks in these programs – such as the first pick of seats, additional luggage, and business lounge access – are available for members that reach gold or platinum status, which is difficult to achieve across multiple programs. The major programs, such as KrisFlyer by Singapore Airlines, allow you to accumulate and redeem points when flying with a broad range of alliance partners.
Negotiate prices across your travel suppliers every 24 months. Many businesses have a ‘set and forget’ approach to their travel policies. This year, FCM Asia has seen several policies that have not been updated since 2019. If you want to reduce your business’s travel budget in FY24, it’s worth negotiating prices and scope of services with providers – such as hotels and car hire companies – set out in your policy. It may be worthwhile switching to providers that offer better value. Whichever way your business travel has changed over the past few years, you should have a travel policy to match it.
Use the ‘five-block rule’ to cut costs for city bookings. Avoid booking within five blocks of the CBD to save on hotels and restaurants in cities. When looking for an alternative, choose areas with good public transport and easy access to the CBD.
Bundle your trips. Since the pandemic, many of FCM Asia’s customers have changed the frequency and length of their trips. While same-day trips were hugely popular in 2019, weekly trips are taking over, as businesses bundle several meetings in a single two- or three-day trip – and occasionally a leisure trip tacked onto the end.
Flexibility trumps loyalty for cutting costs. Sticking to the same hotel group or airline because you’re on a loyalty program can give you unique perks and deals but may not equate to cheaper travel over the year. Regularly compare prices with other travel providers to ensure you have the best value. Alternatively, set a cost cap for travel and allow your employees to pick their hotels and flights. This gives travellers ownership over their business trips and better employee satisfaction while ensuring costs meet an agreed rate.
Join value-add programmes and sign up to travel newsletters. It’s worth selectively signing up for hotel and airline e-Newsletters to keep up with sales and discount codes exclusive to subscribers.
About FCM FCM is one of the world’s largest travel management companies and the flagship corporate travel arm of the ASX-listed Flight Centre Travel Group. Discover more atwww.fcmtravel.com.
HO CHI MINH CITY, 19 July 2023: Vietjet has launched direct daily flights from Ho Chi Minh to Haneda airport in central Tokyo since 15 July. Haneda Airport is conveniently located less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Tokyo.
The new flight departs from Ho Chi Minh City at 1700 and arrives in Haneda, Tokyo, at 0100 the next day. The return flight departs Haneda at 0020 and lands in Ho Chi Minh City at 0610.
The Ho Chi Minh – Tokyo (Haneda) flight is Vietjet’s second service to Tokyo, with the other a daily flight serving the Ho Chi Minh City – Tokyo (Narita) route.
From now until 31 December, passengers can buy zero VND fares every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the airline’s website, www.vietjetair.com and Vietjet Air mobile app for travel from 10 August 2023 to 31 March 2024. Passengers snatching up the zero-cost fares still need to pay taxes and fees.