THE DECISION OF Malaysia-based outbound tour operator Apple Vacations and Conventions to resume trips to Japan is bearing fruit, with strong response for its tours to Hokkaido. On Tuesday, the company even ran its first advertisements since March 11 to promote the destination.
The company’s managing director, Desmond Lee, told TTG Asia e-Daily: “In just three days since we re-launched our packages on May 10, our Malaysia Airlines (MAS) chartered flights to Hokkaido departing on July 8 have 160 confirmed bookings, comprising five 32-pax groups.”
Lee believes the company will eventually be able to draw up to 1,000 Malaysian visitors to Japan on this trip, aided by the discounted airfares provided by MAS and Singapore Airlines (SIA).
“MAS and SIA are really playing a vital role in helping Japan tourism to recover,” he said. “For example, our tie-up with MAS has enabled us to offer tour packages at 25 to 50 per cent discount.”
Apple’s has slashed it usual price of RM6,899 (US$2,298) for a seven-day Hokkaido tour to RM3,499-RM4,799.
By Ellen Chen
