Private tourism sector and the tourism department in Vietnam are busy developing holidays for Germans. The tourism department said that it is developing programs and packages to attract more tourists into the nation.
Private tourism sector and the tourism department in Vietnam are busy developing holidays for Germans.
The tourism department said that it is developing programs and packages to attract more tourists into the nation.
However, there would be a special emphasis on attracting German tourists because Vietnam has been a favourite destination for travellers from Germany and german speaking countries.
The nation now has high class hotels and resorts, beaches and ethnic cuisine, which has been a hit with tourists worldwide.
Tourism statistics show that the nation receives 110,000 German tourists yearly. Further, it is also seen that the number of tourists is increasing at an average of 20 per cent annually. There are direct flights between Germany and Vietnam.
Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd., and one of active members VNAT said that Germans are, of late, becoming increasingly interested in Vietnamese food and culture, noting that Germans are looking for authentic experiences in Vietnam and a deeper understanding of the country’s culture, food, history and everyday life.
Vietnam is not a mass-market tourist destination, with most travellers interested in the local culture. The tourism department said that the nation is becoming more and more recognized as a safe and favoured destination for high-end German tourists.
Vietnam has launched a new campaign to attract tourists from all over the world under the slogan of ‘Timeless charm’. German tourists wish to experience Vietnam’s defining characteristics: thrills, nature, heritage, festivals, pristine beauty, enjoyment, scenery and essence.
“Germany economy is still strongest in the euro zone, we expect good German traffic to Vietnam in 2013-2014, especially from small groups, families, couples and special interest travelers. Germany is among the top European markets for us, aided by a direct flight between Vietnam and Germany. Vietnam is better known as a backpacker destination for German travelers, but efforts are being made to promote Vietnam as a luxury destination and to attract upscale German-speaking travelers with niche tourism products. Our German speaking team is very well placed to serve high-end travelers.” said Pham Ha, founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd.
FITs drive European traffic into Vietnam in this tough time
Despite the uncertain global economy, business from Europe into the region is still growing, buoyed by FITs and small groups.
Pham Ha, founder & CEO, Luxury Travel Vietnam, said: “Our UK market is doing well for the FIT, small group and special interest segments, posting a 30 per cent increase from 2011 to 2012.” He attributed this partly to the launch of Vietnam Airlines’ thrice-weekly flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City out of Gatwick in December 2011.
“At the same time, our German business rose 25 per cent, led by FITs, couples and multi-generational family segments.”
German tourists wish to experience Vietnam’s defining characteristics: thrills, nature, heritage, festivals, pristine beauty, enjoyment, scenery and essence. To accommodate this, Vietnam now has world class hotels and resorts, beaches and cuisine, in addition to its natural beauty, rich history and traditional culture.
“We expect good German traffic to Vietnam in 2013-2014, especially from small groups, families, couples and special interest travelers. Germany is among the top European markets for us, aided by a direct flight between Vietnam and Germany. Vietnam is better known as a backpacker destination for German travelers, but efforts are being made to promote Vietnam as a luxury destination and to attract upscale German-speaking travelers with niche tourism products. Our German speaking team is very well placed to serve high-end travelers.” said Pham Ha, founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd.
However, Luxury Travel Vietnam’s Pham Ha has spotted some worrying signs. He observed that more European travellers booked with short lead times, from a year to six or three months ahead, with last-minute bookings occasionally. European FITs were also cutting back on their time in Vietnam from two weeks to 10 days, and now stayed in less expensive properties.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
