|
Never
before have Vietnamese traveled overseas in such large numbers
as at present and never before has the price of overseas package
tours been at such a low level, said an official of the Vietnam
National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).
 |
| Thailand,
a favourite destination of Vietnamese tourists. |
Although
summer is just beginning, more holidaymakers are booking tours
at major travel agencies as Saigontourist, Vietravel,
Vietnamtourism and Viettour JSC has exceeded their expectations
and forecasts.
So
far this year, more than 4,000 travellers have booked package
tours through Saigontourist, as compared to 3,000 for all of
summer last year, doubling the firm’s expectations.
This
season, Japan, Hong Kong and Indonesia are favoured
destinations, in addition to familiar the draw cards of China,
Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
Travel
agencies said domestic travellers are inclined to choose tours
to beaches and tourist resorts rather than the hustle and bustle
of major cities. Tours involving both air and sea travel are
often of their choice. Vietravel has been offering a special
package tour that includes the EURO 2004 football tournament.
Higher
incomes and lower tour prices are credited for the sharp
increase in the number of outbound tourists.
According
to VNAT, the price of tours to Southeast Asian countries has
dropped 30-50% from last year's level. At present, tours to
Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia are even cheaper than domestic
ones. A five-day package tour of Thailand now costs just US$280,
a weeklong tour of Malaysia and Singapore, $500. Last year, the
same tour of Thailand cost at least $360.
Travel
agencies explained that the lower price of air tickets, which
accounted for 60-70% of tour costs, and promotional discounts
given by regional travel agencies, were the main reason for
cheaper package tours.
(Source:
Lao Dong, Tien Phong)
|
