Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has announced the launch of three new flight services to Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Padang in Indonesia, and Shantou in China, enhancing travel options for adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts.
Flights to Phu Quoc and Padang will commence on December 20, 2024, and January 6, 2025, respectively, operating on the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. Shantou flights will begin on January 16, 2025, using the Airbus A320 family aircraft.
Phu Quoc, known for its stunning beaches and the Phu Quoc National Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), offers visitors a chance to explore its natural beauty with a 30-day visa-free policy for international travellers. Scoot will initially operate three weekly flights to Phu Quoc, increasing to five from January 25, 2025.
Padang, the capital of West Sumatra, is renowned for its vibrant Minangkabau culture and exquisite cuisine, specifically the famous Nasi Padang. Scoot will operate four weekly flights to this hidden gem.
Shantou, located in Guangdong, China, is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and Chaoshan cuisine. Travellers can enjoy various attractions, including the memorial hall of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Scoot will operate three times a week to Shantou.
Additionally, Scoot will adjust its network to better meet demand, adding more flights to Jakarta and Koh Samui, and increasing daily services to Davao. All three new routes are now available for booking, with one-way fares starting at S$135 to Phu Quoc, S$119 to Padang, and S$169 to Shantou.
As of 2023, the tourism demand for Phu Quoc, Padang, and Shantou has shown promising growth, driven by increased interest in Southeast Asia as a travel destination. Phu Quoc attracted approximately 5 million visitors in 2019 before the pandemic, and the local government has set a target to welcome over 6 million tourists annually by 2025, highlighting the island's rising popularity as a tropical getaway.
Meanwhile, Padang is experiencing a revival in tourism, with visitor numbers increasing steadily thanks to its culinary scene and rich cultural heritage. Shantou too has reported a resurgence in arrivals, particularly from domestic travellers, with over 3 million visitors in 2022, reflecting an upward trend in tourism as the city promotes its unique Chaoshan cuisine and historical attractions.