Recession cuts arrivals to Vietnam

Vietnam recorded 2.7 million arrivals over the first nine months of the year, a 16% decrease when compared with last year.

Data reported by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism shows the country welcomed 294,000 tourist arrivals in the month of September, while the nine-month figure stood at 2,773,939.

The authority reported that arrivals related to tourism stood at 1,622,709, or a 19.2% decrease when compared with the same period last year.

Vietnam_InsideThe report shows that all the top markets delivered negative results, with China down 32.3% (338,618); US 0.7% (329,181); South Korea 19.9% (287,115); Japan 14.6% (254,483) and Taiwan 13.1% (213,243).

VNAT has extended its exemption on visa costs to the end of the year to boost travel. It had earlier stated the exemption on costs would end in September.

The measure was introduced last May, but it only applies to travellers booking package tours through 20 recognised travel agencies participating in the national campaign.

Tour companies are offering 30% to 50% off the price tag of package tours as part of a national programme to revive travel.

Sourced = The TTR Weekly