Enjoy Unlimited ASEAN Travel for Less Than P15,000 with Explorer Pass
Those who dream of exploring Southeast Asia can tick that off their bucket list with AirAsia MOVE's Asean Explorer Pass, a subscription-based annual travel pass that offers unlimited travel opportunities to any of the ten ASEAN countries.
The exciting project, a collaboration between AirAsia MOVE and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), was launched recently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the 100th meeting of the council. The event was graced by Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia, who is also the Chair of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers; Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia; CEO Capital A and Executive Chairman of MOVE Digital Tony Fernandes; and AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer.
The ASEAN-BAC, founded in 2003, aims to promote economic integration among ASEAN countries. AirAsia MOVE, formerly known as AirAsia SuperApp, is a digital venture by Capital A Berhad that functions as an online travel agent (OTA) platform. The goal of the partnership is to stimulate economic growth and business opportunities through tourism.
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During his speech, Fernandes shares the inspiration behind offering the Asean Explorer Pass. When he was much younger, he learned about the Eurail Pass, a ticket that allows travelers to explore up to 40,000 destinations in 33 countries with just one rail pass.
"I thought, 'How can we do it on a plane? Because a train won't take you everywhere,'" he recalls. "So, we came up with the Asean Explorer Pass, which, for one fee amounting to 999 RM, allows you to travel throughout all of ASEAN."
Through the Asean Explorer Pass, subscribers could book international flights within ASEAN without having to pay the base fare. They could also enjoy unlimited use of an exclusive promo code for up to 50% off on over 900,000 hotels and AirAsia ride perks. The pass is currently on a special promo price of P13,488 until April 30, after which it will return to its original price of P14,888. It can be purchased on the AirAsia MOVE app.
Langkawi Skybridge in Kedah, Malaysia
Fernandes, known for his innovative approach to business, clarifies that the goal of the travel pass is for tourists to explore ASEAN—especially the many amazing hidden gems—and not to visit the same places repeatedly.
"Everyone knows Bangkok, Bali, or Singapore. But there are many other places that probably most of you have never been to. So, we want to encourage all of you to try and travel around the whole of ASEAN, not just the big cities that you already know," the CEO says. ASEAN is made up of ten countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
"There will be days when you can't get the seat that you want, but there will always be a seat for you to go somewhere within ASEAN," Fernandes assures.
He clarifies that AirAsia, the airline, operates as a distinct entity from AirAsia MOVE, whose ultimate goal is to bring all ASEAN airlines into this product in order to provide more choices to travelers. He adds that they are already in talks with another airline to join Asean Explorer Pass.
Borobodur Temple in Java, Indonesia
ASEAN-BAC Malaysia chairman Razac, views the launch of the travel pass as a step towards achieving a borderless ASEAN. "ASEAN has welcomed 100 million international tourists in 2023, which is 70% of pre-pandemic levels, and we are confident such efforts by AirAsia MOVE will move the needle in further stimulating travel and spurring the economy of ASEAN,” he says.
Those who purchased the "Asean Pass" in March 2024 will have their redemption validity extended until 6 May 2025 and will be able to travel until 20 May 2025. Existing Asean Pass holders will see these changes take effect from 7 May 2024 onwards. Asean Pass holders who would like to redeem domestic destinations in countries other than their own (based on nationality on passport), will have Sales and Service Tax (SST) charges applied when they convert to the "ASEAN Explorer Pass."
