Vietnam’s status as Southeast Asia’s fastest growing tourism destination is reflected in new statistics that illustrate Australian visitors are flocking to the country like never before. Perhaps due to their own country’s relative isolation, Aussies have cultivated a reputation for being voracious travelers. Traditionally, however, they have looked to Indonesia – particularly Bali – Fiji and Thailand when making plans to explore other parts of the Asia-Pacific region…
Vietnam’s status as Southeast Asia‘s fastest growing tourism destination is reflected in new statistics that illustrate Australian visitors are flocking to the country like never before.
Perhaps due to their own country’s relative isolation, Aussies have cultivated a reputation for being voracious travelers. Traditionally, however, they have looked to Indonesia – particularly Bali – Fiji and Thailand when making plans to explore other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.
While these locations retain a potent pull, data from some of Vietnam’s top hotels, as well as Vietnam’s National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the country’s own tourism authority, show that a growing contingent are choosing to spend their vacation in Indochina’s most populated nation.
Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic Caravelle Hotel has seen a twofold increase in visitors from Australia this year while the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital’s most prestigious address, has reported a 48% rise over the past 12 months.
On the fledgling central coast, the award-winning Nam Hai resort has witnessed a significant upsurge in visitors from Down Under, too. The property, recently voted among Asia’s 20 best resorts by readers of travel bible Conde Nast Traveler, reported a 69% increase in Australian occupants through the first eight months of the year.
The phenomena is reinforced by VNAT, which has reported a 128% rise in Australian visitor numbers in 2010 – the greatest percentage increase of inbound arrivals from non-Asian countries.
The trend appears unlikely to be a flash in the pan either. The results of the Asia-Pacific Travel Intentions Survey, a major poll conducted by Visa and the Pacific-Asia Travel Association, were announced in November. They showed that an impressive 16% of Australians canvassed plan to visit Vietnam in the coming two years.
“Australia escaped the worst of the global downturn and its dollar is relatively robust, which means Aussies are traveling as much as they have ever done,” says Kai Speth, general manager of the Metropole Hanoi.
“What’s more, Australia has been one of our priority markets in recent years. We have representation at all the big travel trade shows there and I think it’s fair to say that our efforts in marketing the hotel are really starting to reap rewards.”
John Gardner, the Caravelle’s general manager, concurs with the view that an increased focus on the Australian market is paying dividends. He also believes Vietnam is finally beginning to rival traditional regional heavyweights such as Thailand and Indonesia in the eyes of holidaymakers.
“Thailand is beginning to recover after the recent turmoil,” Gardner says. “But throughout that stumble, and troubles elsewhere, Vietnam has sharpened its profile as the region’s most safe and secure destination. Safety and security is far more top of mind for travelers today than it was 10 long years ago.”
Gardner also points to other factors that are boosting the country’s reputation Down Under – its solidifying infrastructure and its value for money.
“As well, Vietnam is catering to a wide variety of customers from business visitors to traditional sun-seekers who are steering toward an array of resorts opening throughout the country.”
Also significant in the opinion of travel industry insiders is the improvement in air links between Vietnam and Australia. Low-cost carrier Jetstar operates regular flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Australia’s major conurbations, while competition between other airlines means that traveling to Vietnam has never been more cost effective.
“I think Australian interest in Vietnam has grown for a number of reasons,” says Damien Van Eyk, Australasian Sales Manager for Exotissimo Travel, a company that specializes in individually tailored trips within Southeast Asia. “The country’s relative proximity to Australia makes traveling to Vietnam very easy.
“I also think that word of mouth is a very important factor. As more Australians experience the sights, sounds and cuisine of Vietnam, they come home and share these experiences with their family and friends.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
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