Industry stakeholders are expecting Vietnam to be a top seller for 2025 following the news that Vietnamese carrier Vietjet (VJ) will commence services between Auckland and Ho Chi Minh from Sep.
Plans for the new service were announced yesterday as part of New Zealand’s official visit to the nation. It will be the first time the carrier flies to New Zealand and the service will initially operate four times a week.
Travel Today understands VJ will operate a two-class A330 aircraft on the route with 12 lie-flat business class seats. The carrier also plans to work with the trade distribution, as it already does in Australia, add industry sources.
. . . Intrepid’s Top
Vietnam was Intrepid Travel’s most popular destination for Kiwi travellers in 2024, with bookings up 26% year on year, that demand isn’t slowing down, says the company.
“The launch of direct flights between Auckland and Ho Chi Minh City is great news, making it even easier for Kiwis to experience this incredible country,” says Intrepid Travel md ANZ Brett Mitchell. “We offer over 40 trips in Vietnam, with our original style tours being the most popular. With more flights and growing interest in meaningful travel, we expect even more Kiwis will be heading to Vietnam this year.”
At the same time the Flight Centre Travel Group has welcomed news of a direct, affordable connection to Vietnam for Kiwi travellers.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in bookings to Vietnam year on year, and while previously travellers would have to transit via Australia or Singapore, the addition of this new route will help increase bookings to and from the region, says FCTG’s air and product manager Jen Staples. “Vietnam is a vibrant and culturally rich destination, with a favourable exchange rate and cheaper on the ground costs…”
. . . Wide Appeal
The attractions of Vietnam are many, says World Journeys ‘from the delicious cuisine (cooking classes are a must), there are the colonial cities that are just so picturesque (Hoi An’s streets lined with colourful lanterns springs to mind), the beautiful countryside with its lush rice fields, the temples, the markets, the landscapes and actually the people are always so friendly and welcoming’.
“We get great feedback on activities which get clients out and about meeting locals, whether they are chefs, orchardists, war veterans or artists,” says World Journey’s Caroline Clegg. “The Mekong Delta is a great place for that, and a really unique experience…”
. . . Years In Planning
Auckland Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker says new flights will be ‘welcomed by Kiwi travellers heading to this increasingly popular destination’.
AKL has been in discussions with Vietjet for several years, adds Tasker, who notes that a higher number of Kiwis are now heading to Vietnam than pre-pandemic.
VJ’s hub in SGN offers further connectivity across Vietnam and into major destinations in Asia, adds Tasker.
