Hanoi (VNA) - In response to the surging travel demand during the upcoming Lunar New Year, China Eastern Airlines, one of China’s aviation giants, has unveiled a direct flight route connecting Beijing to Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Data from QQ News reveals that China Eastern Airlines has scheduled a staggering 124,000 flights for this year’s Lunar New Year holiday, marking a 4.18% increase compared to the previous year. The uptick reflects a significant rebound in travel, with a booming interest in destinations such as Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea from China's first-tier cities.
Starting January 13, 2025, the airline will operate daily flights between Beijing and Phu Quoc, offering a frequency of seven flights per week. The route is set to run until February 13, 2025. Additionally, from January 15 to February 13, 2025, the carrier will also operate direct flights from Xi'an to Phu Quoc, with seven round-trip flights per week.
With a flight duration of just over four hours, the routes are designed to cater to short-term holidaymakers, striking a balance between leisure travel and traditional Lunar New Year festivities with family.
This strategic move underscores Phu Quoc’s escalating status as a global travel hotspot. Currently, the island welcomes an average of 25 international flights daily, with peak days seeing up to 28 flights from destinations such as South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Phu Quoc’s appeal stems not only from its natural beauty but also from forward-thinking tourism policies. The island is Vietnam’s sole destination offering a visa-free entry policy with a 30-day stay for visitors from all over the world. Additionally, Phu Quoc has garnered accolades from international media, frequently earning a spot among the world’s most stunning islands in rankings by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. The island’s prime travel season, spanning November to April, aligns seamlessly with winter holidays and New Year celebrations globally.
Beyond its natural beauty, Phu Quoc offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and well-developed tourism ecosystems. For instance, Sun Paradise Land in the southern part of the island provides an “all-in-one” experience. Visitors can unwind at Bai Kem, one of the planet’s most breathtaking beaches, ride the world’s longest three-cable car system, witness grand performances at the largest overwater theater globally, enjoy fireworks displays twice in one evening, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Vietnam’s first seaside night market.
These diverse offerings have driven a notable increase in the duration of international stays. Industry insiders report that tourists from CIS countries and Russia typically stay for 11-12 nights, while Chinese visitors—known for their high spending and group travel—average 4-5 nights per trip.
The introduction of direct flights from Beijing to Phu Quoc and the expansion of services from Xi'an represent a golden opportunity for the island to capitalize on the lucrative Chinese tourism market, which is experiencing a strong post-pandemic resurgence. As Phu Quoc continues to attract visitors from an increasingly diverse array of countries, it is poised to solidify its position as a must-visit global destination for travelers seeking unparalleled experiences./.
