Flights from Vancouver to Paris are among the most affordable options to Europe to ring in the new year.
Travellers can fly from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) round-trip for the same price as many Mexican, Central American, and Caribbean hot spots.
A flight departing Vancouver on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, makes a stop in Kelowna for an hour and a half and one in Calgary for an hour and 15 minutes before arriving in Paris. On the return trip, departing on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, the itinerary includes a stop in Calgary for two hours. The total trip costs as little as $561 booked through a third party and $591 directly through WestJet (see slides two and three).
This price is considered “low” for economy or $303 cheaper than usual, according to Google Flights.
Travellers who don’t want to make two stops on the outbound trip won’t have to pay much more. A one-stop itinerary with a stop for just over an hour in Calgary on the outbound journey and one at under two hours on the return costs $582 through a third party or $612 directly through WestJet (see slides four and five).
This price is considered “low” for economy or $280 cheaper than usual, according to Google Flights.
One-way options from Vancouver to Paris
Travellers planning on visiting more than one city in France or Europe may wish to fly into Paris and out of another city.
Flights that include a couple of stops from YVR to CDG cost as little as $222, while ones with only one stop cost $242 (see slide six).
A flight departing on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from Vancouver includes the same itinerary as the first flight on the outbound trip and costs $222 (see slides seven and eight).
This price is considered “low” for economy or $228 cheaper than usual, according to Google Flights.
Flight prices may change quickly based on seat availability. If you want to secure a price, book the ticket right away (some airlines and travel suppliers allow you to hold seats, although you will need to confirm). Prices shown in this travel deal were available at the time of writing and may not be available when you look for them.
Want to learn more about a specific destination or have a travel concern or idea you would like V.I.A. to write about? Email us at [email protected]. Send us stories about recent holidays that you’ve been on, or if you have any tips you think our readers should know about.
Online travel company ixigo has launched its Tricolour Travel Sale, offering discounts on flight and hotel bookings ahead of the upcoming Independence Day 2025 long weekend. The sale commenced on August 8 and will end on August 12, 2025, providing travellers with an opportunity to plan budget-friendly holidays during the extended break.
As part of the promotional offer, customers can avail a flat 12 percent discount on flights and hotels by using the coupon code ‘FREEDOM’ while booking through ixigo. The offer does not require a minimum booking amount and is applicable across all modes of payment, with savings capped at Rs 1,000.
In addition, ixigo has partnered with ICICI Bank and AU Small Finance Bank to offer up to 15 percent discount (maximum Rs 5,000) on bookings made using their credit cards or via credit card EMI.
Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO of ixigo, said, “With August 15th falling on a Friday this year, many travellers are opting to take a day off on Thursday to make the most of a four-day weekend. We’re seeing that reflected in a significant uptick in flight bookings. Through our Tricolour Travel Sale, we’re making it easier for Indians to plan their perfect getaway without stretching their budgets. As value-driven travel becomes a growing preference, we’re enabling more people to explore both domestic and international destinations, without having to compromise on comfort or cost.”
The company has reported a 25 to 30 percent year-on-year increase in leisure flight bookings around the Independence Day period. Destinations such as Dehradun, Port Blair, Goa, and Coimbatore have emerged as top choices, reflecting a shift in traveller preference toward short, affordable getaways.
With rising interest in value-oriented travel and a favourable long weekend on the horizon, ixigo’s Tricolour Travel Sale is well-timed to meet the demand of Indian holidaymakers looking to make the most of their independence and time off.
Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island Prepares To Welcome A Surge Of Tourists As Multiple New Flights From Russian Cities Are Scheduled To Launch By The End Of 2025
Home»AIRLINE NEWS» Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island Prepares To Welcome A Surge Of Tourists As Multiple New Flights From Russian Cities Are Scheduled To Launch By The End Of 2025
Published on
August 8, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island is gearing up for a significant increase in tourist arrivals this winter season, driven by the launch of multiple new flights from various Russian cities scheduled to begin by the end of 2025. With expanded direct and connecting flight options, the island is poised to become a top winter destination, attracting more travelers seeking a warm tropical getaway. Leading travel agencies and airlines anticipate a sharp rise in bookings, highlighting Phu Quoc’s growing appeal as a convenient and attractive holiday spot for Russian tourists and others alike.
Phu Quoc Emerges as a Top Winter Destination for Russian Tourists in 2025-2026
Phu Quoc, the idyllic island paradise in Vietnam, is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after travel destinations for Russian tourists this upcoming winter season of 2025-2026. According to the Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR), numerous travel companies in Russia are actively promoting tours to this tropical haven, capitalizing on its reputation as the perfect winter escape. The peak travel period to Phu Quoc typically falls between November and March, offering visitors warm weather, pristine beaches, and a wealth of cultural and natural attractions.
Expanding Flight Connectivity from Russia
A key driver behind this growing popularity is the expansion of flight connections between Russia and Phu Quoc. Russian travelers will soon benefit from enhanced air routes operated from eight major cities, opening convenient access to the island. In addition to the already established flights from Moscow and Krasnoyarsk, new charter services are planned to launch in November 2025 from six additional cities: Samara, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Kazan, Novokuznetsk, and Novosibirsk. This expansion will provide a broad geographical reach across Russia, allowing more travelers from various regions easier direct access to Phu Quoc without the need for multiple layovers.
Moreover, a Vietnamese airline has announced plans to operate direct flights from key cities in Russia’s Far East, including Vladivostok, Blagoveshchensk, and Khabarovsk, with services expected to commence between October and November of this year. These routes are strategically important because they connect Russian travelers living in the eastern parts of the country with Vietnam, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing convenience.
In addition to these direct flights, demand for trips to Phu Quoc via connecting flights through Vietnam’s major hubs, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, has seen a remarkable increase. Many Russian tourists are choosing to route their journeys through these Vietnamese gateway cities, leveraging the frequent flights and convenient transfers available. This trend reflects the island’s growing appeal and the willingness of travelers to include Phu Quoc as part of a broader Vietnam itinerary.
Tour Operators Predict Significant Growth
With the expansion in air connectivity, several leading Russian tour operators are optimistic about a sharp rise in bookings for Phu Quoc during the winter season of 2025-2026. Major players in the Russian travel market, such as Anex Tour, Russian Express, and Space Travel, have reported a substantial uptick in inquiries and reservations for Phu Quoc packages. They forecast that bookings for the island will increase by 30 to 35 percent compared to the previous winter season.
These predictions are grounded not only in improved flight access but also in the growing awareness of Phu Quoc’s unique offerings among Russian travelers. The island is renowned for its lush landscapes, clear turquoise waters, world-class resorts, and a tranquil atmosphere that contrasts sharply with crowded urban centers. Russian tourists, many of whom seek relaxing yet exotic vacation experiences, are increasingly drawn to Phu Quoc’s mix of natural beauty, cultural sites, and luxury amenities.
Industry Data Reflects Phu Quoc’s Rising Popularity
Industry data from prominent travel companies further reinforces Phu Quoc’s status as a top winter destination among Russian tourists. PAC GROUP, a major Russian travel agency, reports that Phu Quoc consistently leads its list of resort destinations within Vietnam in terms of bookings for the upcoming winter season. This distinction highlights the island’s appeal relative to other popular Vietnamese beach and resort locations.
ITM GROUP, another influential player in the Russian travel market, has also shared promising statistics regarding sales of Phu Quoc packages. According to their reports, Phu Quoc accounts for roughly 20 percent of the company’s total hotel room sales in Vietnam during the winter months. Remarkably, during peak travel periods, ITM GROUP records that one in every three bookings made for Vietnam’s coastal resorts is for Phu Quoc. This impressive share demonstrates that the island is not just a niche option but a core part of the company’s Vietnam portfolio.
Why Phu Quoc Appeals to Russian Tourists
Several factors contribute to Phu Quoc’s rising popularity among Russian holidaymakers. First, the island’s weather during the winter months is ideal for beach vacations, featuring warm temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. This climate makes it an attractive alternative to the colder Russian winters, offering sun, sand, and sea as a welcome escape.
Second, Phu Quoc boasts an array of high-quality resorts and hospitality services tailored to international visitors, including luxury beachfront hotels, boutique accommodations, and family-friendly resorts. Many properties offer amenities that cater specifically to Russian guests, such as Russian-speaking staff and familiar cuisine options, enhancing comfort and convenience.
Third, the island’s natural and cultural attractions provide diverse experiences beyond the beach. Visitors can explore tropical forests, waterfalls, and coral reefs, or enjoy activities like snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. Additionally, Phu Quoc has a rich local culture, with traditional fishing villages, night markets, and historical sites that offer insight into Vietnamese heritage.
Finally, the relatively affordable cost of travel and accommodation compared to other tropical destinations makes Phu Quoc accessible to a wide range of travelers, from budget-conscious vacationers to luxury seekers.
Looking Ahead: Phu Quoc’s Role in Russia-Vietnam Tourism
As the travel season approaches, the combination of increased flight options, aggressive marketing by Russian tour operators, and the island’s natural appeal positions Phu Quoc to experience a surge in Russian arrivals this winter. This growing demand is expected to benefit not only airlines and tour companies but also local businesses and communities on the island.
Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island is set to welcome more tourists this winter with new flights launching from several Russian cities by the end of 2025. Expanded air routes are expected to boost its popularity as a prime winter getaway destination.
With strong support from both Russian and Vietnamese aviation sectors and tourism stakeholders, Phu Quoc is set to consolidate its position as one of the leading winter vacation spots for Russian tourists. The developments underline the strengthening tourism ties between Russia and Vietnam, promising a vibrant future for this partnership.
President Prabowo Subianto has challenged the Ministry of Transportation to launch direct international flights to tourist hotspots across Indonesia. Skipping Jakarta as the usual stop, this plan hopes to draw more travelers and larger foreign cash flows, giving the tourism sector and the national economy a meaningful lift.
According to Hasan Nasbi, Head of the Presidential Communication Office, the move underscores tourism as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s revenue base. Prabowo’s vision dovetails with the broader goal of a more balanced economy, placing the tourism industry squarely at the leading edge of growth.
Expanding Air Connectivity for Tourism Growth
At a press briefing on August 7, 2025, Nasbi outlined the President’s roadmap to open flights straight to key tourist markets across the archipelago. The present system, which routes almost all foreign flights through Jakarta, will give way to new links that land in regional airports. The approach is designed to streamline journeys and shine a spotlight on lesser-known destinations beyond the capital.
Prabowo’s announcement shows the administration’s pledge to make air travel across Indonesia easier by letting more regional airports welcome international flights. This step is also part of the plan to help local economies by opening up key tourist spots to visitors from abroad.
The President’s plan zeroes in on tourism’s twin prizes: more money for the country and new jobs for the people. Hasan Nasbi pointed out that travel and tourism produce strong income and draw in foreign exchange, both of which fuel national growth.
The push for direct flights is all about smoothing the travel path for tourists from major markets. With easier access, Indonesia strengthens its appeal on the world tourism stage. By opening up regional air access, the state hopes to shine a light on the country’s hidden gems, spreading the wealth of tourism beyond the big city hubs.
Potential Impact on National Revenue and Employment
The President’s strategy focuses on the dual benefits of tourism: boosting national revenue and creating employment opportunities. Hasan Nasbi noted that tourism plays a critical role in generating significant income and attracting foreign exchange, which are crucial for the country’s economic development. As more tourists visit the regions, the local economy benefits from job creation in the hospitality, transportation, and service sectors.
The direct flight initiative aims to streamline international tourism, attracting more visitors from major markets and enhancing Indonesia’s global competitiveness as a tourism destination. By expanding access to regional airports, the government seeks to capitalize on the potential of Indonesia’s lesser-known tourist spots, spreading economic benefits beyond the major urban centers.
New International Airports and Enhanced Connectivity
Indonesia’s strategy to promote tourism is supported by the recent inclusion of five airports in the list of international airports. This update is part of the country’s broader efforts to strengthen international air connectivity and provide more convenient access to tourist destinations. According to Minister of Transportation Decrees Number KM 26 and KM 30 of 2025, five airports have been added to the list, bringing the total number of international airports in the country to 22. This marks an increase from 17 international airports listed in Decree KM 31 of 2024.
Three of the newly designated international airports include Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport in Palembang, H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport in Bangka Belitung, and Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang. These airports are now prepared to accommodate international flights and will play an important role in making direct international routes more viable.
Two additional airports, Syamsuddin Noor Airport in Banjarmasin and Supadio Airport in Pontianak, were also granted international status. However, the official designation of these airports remains subject to ongoing performance evaluations. The Ministry of Transportation will assess their viability based on criteria such as passenger and cargo traffic, flight frequency, and infrastructure readiness.
Future Prospects and Evaluations
The government has been busy adding new international airports, but leaders stress the task is far from over. Lukman F. Laisa, the Director General of Air Transportation, said every airport will be watched closely. Authorities will check whether the airport can still manage international traffic by looking at flight demand, how ready the operations are, and whether the airport can safely handle more passengers.
Airports that slip below the needed operational and infrastructure standards will lose their international designation. This careful approach lets Indonesia keep improving its tourism network in step with both local and global travel demand.
Enhancing Regional Economic Growth Through Tourism
President Prabowo’s push for more direct international flights also serves a bigger, economic purpose. Better access to quieter, lesser-visited areas means the wealth brought by tourism can be shared more fairly across the country. Many of the new international airports are in provinces that have beautiful sights and cultural riches but have not yet attracted many visitors. These regions are now perfectly positioned to welcome more foreign guests and boost their local economies.
This plan will give local economies a surge by drawing more international tourists to spots outside Jakarta. More foreign visitors should help local businesses grow, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and services, and will open up many new jobs in those areas.
Indonesia’s Bright Future in Global Tourism
Launching new international flights is key to making Indonesia a top player in global tourism. Direct flights to more regional airports, instead of just Jakarta, lets visitors reach amazing destinations more easily. Each new route not only helps local areas earn more but also brings in valuable foreign currency.
Better global connections should also boost visitor numbers and length of stay. More tourists who stay longer spend more money and explore more corners of the archipelago, driving local economies and reinforcing Indonesia’s place as a must-visit gem in Southeast Asia.
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