Vietnam to push domestic travel

HANOI, 18 July 2014: Vietnam will focus more on domestic tourists to boost revenue and spread the benefits of tourism beyond the main destinations.
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism head, Nguyen Van Tuan, told local media that during the current difficult times, domestic tourism was the key to the industry’s continued growth claiming a strong domestic travel industry would become the foundation stone for a sustained expansion of international tourism.
“The domestic tourism segment has already done very well in towns nationwide welcoming 35 million visitors, last year, creating strong momentum for future growth…every visit will enhance the visitor’s understanding of their country.”
But expanding domestic tourism has its challenges.
Vietnam Travel Agents Association head, Vu The Binh, said there was a lack of coordination and co-operation among economic sectors and the industry would have to improve quality to be more competitive, as many Vietnamese travellers preferred to travel to neighbouring countries.
“We always want Vietnamese people to buy Vietnam-made goods, but then sellers increase the prices. Local tourism companies need to be aware of competitive pricing.”
Domestic tours prices have increased 30% to 50% mainly on the back of higher airfares, electricity, fuel and food, making it very difficult for travel companies to sell tours without suffering losses.
The situation is compounded by the fact that other destinations in Asia are launching promotional campaigns with big discounts and attractive gifts.
“We just keep claiming that our country has beautiful scenery or that domestic travel is a patriotic act without understanding the commercial realities,” he said.
Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are seen as good examples that need to be studied closely by the local tourism industry as business models.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews