44 REGION ASIA Brought
44 REGION ASIA Brought to you by VIETNAM AIRLINES GAINING ALTITUDE IN GLOBAL MARKET Having exceeded its business targets in 2017, Vietnam Airlines has recorded strong growth in terms of both revenue and profits. Along with its member airlines including Jetstar Pacific and VASCO, Vietnam Airlines flew around 180,000 flights in 2017 and transported 26.5 million customers. This represented an impressive increase of 6.7% compared to the previous year. Explaining its strong performance, Vietnam Airlines said it had been led by “its direction for development of modern aircraft, extensive flight networks, continuous improvement of services, strengthening of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and trading promotion.” Also of note, the carrier exceeded its On-Time Performance (OTP) target, bringing it into line with the world’s leading airlines. 2017 was also a significant year in terms of fleet development, with the addition of four Airbus A350-900 XWBs and one Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. In addition, 2017 saw Vietnam Airlines sign a .5bn agreement with US aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, with a selection of aircraft engines and support services for 20 Airbus A321NEO aircraft included in the deal. Duong Tri Thanh, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said: “I believe the agreement between Vietnam Airlines and Pratt & Whitney will further reinforce the important economic, trade and investment partnership between Vietnam and the United States” Hall 26c / Stand 313 Halong Bay, Vietnam Vietnam, Southeast Asia Tourism Star With close to 13 million international arrivals in 2017, Vietnam established a new tourism record last year and was the fastest growing tourism destination in ASEAN… Tourism authorities in Vietnam had good reason to celebrate at the end of last year. 2017 will certainly remain in memory as an exceptional year in terms of tourism performance. In just one year, arrivals jumped by 29.1%, missing by a fraction the 13-million travellers mark. The country recorded 12,922,121 international travellers, a performance that can be attributed to simplified entrance conditions for all travellers thanks to e-visa (40 countries can benefit of it), the abolition of visas for a few other countries in Europe (including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) and the multiplication of air links. Growth by air was indeed strong, jumping by 32.1%. This is largely due to the increased frequency of flights to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang but also increasingly to secondary destinations. Nha Trang is emerging as an important holiday destination with regular charter flights from China, Russia and Korea. In recent months, low cost carrier Vietjet also launched international flights to Dalat and Haiphong, Bangkok Airways and AirAsia to Phu Quoc Island in the south offering alternative gateways for travellers. Air arrivals represented 84.5% of all arrivals last year. Last but not least, relations with China improved considerably last year, giving a new impetus to tourist arrivals from Vietnam’s giant neighbour. Chinese travellers are (re)discovering the country with total numbers jumping by a whopping 48.6% in 2017. With four million visitors, China is the largest inbound market with a share of 31% of all total arrivals. Other markets recording exceptional double-digit growth last year were South Korea, Russia and Taiwan, up respectively by 56.5%, 32% and 21%. 2018 looks ready to bring another stellar performance for Vietnam tourism. More flights are due to be opened; for example to the United States, with Vietnam Airlines due to fly to either Los Angeles or San Francisco. An important event is the opening of a new international airport in Halong Bay. Due to be opened by the end of the year, it will offer a capacity for three million passengers. With a new convention centre and international chains moving into Halong Bay City, the area will not only be a major attraction for leisure travellers but also become a new destination for MICE organisers. According to government’s projections for tourism, 2018 should generate 15.5 million international arrivals and see 78 million domestic visitors Hall 26c / Stand 313 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 8 th March 2018 www.itb-berlin-news.com
Brought to you by ASIA REGION 45 Japan Takes NatGeo Audiences on a Magical Photographic Journey The Los Angeles office of the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), together with photographer Krista Rossow and iconic documentary/ e x p e d i t i o n organisation National Geographic, have released a photo series highlighting Krista’s recent photography tour through the beautiful natural landscape of Japan’s Chugoku region. At the same time, JNTO has launched an online consumer campaign to entice American travellers to follow in Krista’s footsteps and discover the wonders of the Chugoku region. As the rising popularity of Japan leads more Americans to explore the lesser known corners of the country, JNTO will continue to work to inspire and inform travellers of all it has to offer them as a travel destination. The photo series, which can be viewed on National Geographic’s website, appears in three parts that take readers on a journey through the rugged coastlines, mystical shrines, and intense natural beauty of Shimane or Hiroshima prefectures. Behind The Lens: A Peaceful Moment In Japan is Krista’s own account of finding a spectacular photo opportunity in the most unsuspecting circumstances. “I was already entranced by the trees, the ethereal light, and the misty air. The rain made sense here. And I’d truly found Oki’s magic,” said Rossow of her experience at the majestic Dangyouno-taki waterfalls where unexpected weather created the perfect shot. Shimane Prefecture: Japan’s Best Kept Secret introduces readers to Shimane’s very best, from a trip to Japan’s most sacred shrine to a hike through the volcanic Oki Islands, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Finally, Hiroshima: Ancient Works, Stunning Sights, and a Passion for Peace highlights Hiroshima’s quest for world peace against a backdrop of historical sights and unforgettable experiences. Japan’s abundant natural beauty, cultural experiences, and expansive history are brought into sharp focus through Krista’s photographs which are sure to inspire and excite travellers to recreate her journey themselves Hall 26a / Stand 120 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 8 th March 2018
