Tourism sector to hit goal two years ahead of plan

Viet Nam is expected to receive 7.4-7.5 million foreign travelers and 35 million domestic tourists at the end of this year, earning total revenues of VND195,000 billion.

According to Chairman of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, despite the international and domestic economic slowdown, Viet Nam’s tourism still maintains a remarkable growth rate.

In the first 10 months of 2013, 6.12 million foreign tourists travelled to Viet Nam, a year-on-year increase of 10.4%, as many as 32.5 million domestic visitors bought local tours. They generated VND165,000 billion in revenue for the sector.

Under the Strategy on Viet Nam’s Tourism Development until 2020 with a vision to 2030, Viet Nam sets the goal of receiving from 7.4-7.5 million foreign visitors by 2015. The nation is expected to achieve the goal two years ahead of the set time.

These achievements werr attributed to the efforts of the localities, especially cities and provinces which boast high potential of developing tourism, Mr. Tuan said. In addition, the business community’s dynamism and creativity have made great contribution to this success, he stressed.

Currently, Viet Nam has recorded 1,250 travel agencies. Of the total 14,200 hotels, 34% are rated three to five-star hotels.

With a staff of 36,000 in 1993, the tourism sector now has 570,000 direct employees and 1.8 million indirect ones.

HCM City to build piers for waterway tourism

The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has given approval for building of seven piers for waterway tourism in the period 2013-2014, according to the Department of Transport.

In addition, construction of four more piers will be kicked off in 2015.

State-owned works are expected to complete and be put into operation by June 2014. The Department of Transport will finish documents on berths to be invested by private businesses, this month.

Saigontourist Holding Company must implement building and upgrading the works by April 2014.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will develop and promote tourism products in Long Phuoc Island in District 9.

According to experts and leaders of travel companies, the municipal authorities can develop short day tours presenting daily activities of local people along canals to international visitors. The local government should also create advantage for enterprises to build their own piers to pick up tourists.

HCMC has great potential to develop its waterways but it has very few products to meet the demand for this special tourism and lacks facilities like a fully planned waterway network, boats, harbors, and stopovers for tourists.

Vietnam Airlines kicks off 4th ‘Golden Moments’ promotional program

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines is offering the 4th ‘Golden Moments’ promotional program on some domestic routes since November 12.

Accordingly, one-way tickets for routes including Ho Chi Minh City-Phu Quoc and Hanoi-Chu Lao will be priced VND499,000; HCMC-Quy Nhon at VND599,000; HCMC-Vinh and Hanoi-Buon Ma Thuot at VND999,000 (not including taxes).

These special rates will be applicable for flights which will be departing from November 20, 2013 to January 15, 2014.

Additionally, Vietnam Airlines has offered a discount on return tickets for flights from Hanoi, Vinh and Hai Phong to Ho Chi Minh City at VND799,000; from Hue, Da Nang and Quy Nhon to HCMC at VND599,000; from Buon Ma Thuot, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc to HCMC at VND399,000 (not including taxes).

The program will be applicable for flights to HCMC from January 25-30, 2014 and February 3-10, 2014 for flights departing from HCMC.

The promotional program will apply from October 8 to December 31.

The national carrier will give free tickets to children of passengers who buy tickets on routes from HCMC to Hanoi, Hai Phong, Vinh, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc from October 8 to December 15.

Flights departing from HCMC on January 17-24; and trips to HCMC on January 31-February 2 and February 11-16 will also enjoy this promotion.

Source: SGT/SGGP/VGP