| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 24/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 36 |
| Copyright: Other |
Free stopovers tempt clients to add a break
Airline offers
Operator packages provide discount deals
AIRLINES that fly between the UK and Australasia have discovered that offering free stopovers en route is an excellent selling point for their services.Most airlines operating via Asia now allow passengers to break their journeys for no additional fee, as long as the passengers are continuing on with them to their destination.
Extra stops can usually be bought for an additional £50 each but this is often only applicable to passengers travelling to Australia via Asia and back via the US, or visa versa.
Stopovers are not always permissible on the cheapest air fares, or for passengers who have booked a package through a tour operator, so if a client is planning to break their journey in Asia, it is best to check which airlines offer the best deals.
There is so much competition on the UK-Australasia routes that there are some good deals around at most times of year, especially during the low season, which varies according to the stopover destination.
Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines are keen to promote their stopover packages, which include heavily discounted hotel rates, free tours, admission to attractions, discounted dining and, with Malaysia Airlines, free domestic flights.
Passengers who fly from the UK on Malaysia Airlines to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China and Hong Kong via Kuala Lumpur can take advantage of free return flights to 14 destinations in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore.
The only catch is that passengers must buy their accommodation through the airline for the duration of their stay.
For passengers travelling to other points in Asia via Kuala Lumpur, the airline offers discounted hotel accommodation in the capital and also in the resorts of Langkawi, Penang and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah.
Malaysia Airlines’ sales manager UK, north region and Ireland John Cushion said: “Malaysia is such great value for money that I can see an increasing number of our UK passengers wanting to break their journey with a stopover.”
Malaysia Airlines flies twice daily from Heathrow and three times a week from Manchester to Kuala Lumpur where it has connections to 100 destinations worldwide. Cathay Pacific has relaunched its Hong Kong Superstop promotion for visitors travelling to Hong Kong and onwards to Asia or Australia before December 31.
The programme, which is in its second year, now offers passengers a greater choice of deluxe hotels in Hong Kong, with rates from £17 per person for the first night’s stay.
In addition to the discounted room rate, passengers travelling to and from long-haul destinations via Hong Kong get 50% off sightseeing tours, a 25% discount at selected restaurants and a selection of two-for-the price-of-one entertainment.
Cathay’s director sales and marketing Peter Bueking said: “The Superstop promotion has proved popular in attracting passengers to travel via Hong Kong, thus we are committed to continuing it this year.”
Cathay has twice daily flights from Heathrow and daily flights from Manchester to Hong Kong, from where it has connections to up to 50 destinations.
SIA has also revamped its stopover programme this year. As well as offering discounted hotel accommodation to passengers travelling long haul via its hub, it is offering free admission to various attractions, free tours, and 50% off food and beverages in selected hotel outlets. Thai Airways, with 10 weekly flights between Heathrow and Bangkok, offers stopovers in Bangkok through its Royal Orchid Discover Thailand programme, operated by Silverbird. Discounted hotel rates and return airport transfers.
Resting en route: Penang is one of 14 stopovers offered by Malaysian Airlines
Sydney: Australia flights can include a stopover
sample product
Cathay Pacific Superstop: hotel rates start at £17 per person for the first night’s stay at a choice of seven deluxe hotels including the Grand Plaza. Passengers can stay for up to five nights at a discounted rate. In addition, they get 50% off sightseeing tours, a 25% discount at selected restaurants, and a selection of two-for-one entertainment.
Malaysia Airlines: stopover prices in Penang start from £4 per person for the first night, with additional nights starting at £9 per person per night. A two-night stay at the exclusive Pangkor Laut Resort costs £181 per person per nightincluding return transfers from Kuala Lumpur to the island. Tours start from £6 per person and car hire from £20 per day.
Singapore Airlines Stopover Holidays: hotel rates start at £18 for the first night, rising to £20 per person for each additional night. The most expensive costs £43 per person for the first night and £47 for each extra night. Stopover passengers get a 50% off à la carte menus; free airport transfers or private car transfers for a surcharge of £27 per car; free hop-on,hop-off bus services; free attraction admission; and discounts on car rental, shopping, entertainment and spa treatments.