Vietnam’s tourism industry has been hit by high airfares, which are discouraging foreign travellers from visiting. Tourist numbers have not kept pace with expectations, due in part to restrictions in travel during the coronavirus pandemic, but also because air tickets to Vietnam are twice as high as they were two years ago, according to Pham Ha, president of Lux Group. The high cost makes domestic attractions less competitive, said the tourism industry. Another issue raised is the need for long-term planning to finalise travel plans in advance, which air carriers sometimes disrupt by lowering ticket prices at the last minute. Industry representatives suggested that the aviation and tourism sectors collaborate more closely in the face of restricted travel, with travel firms wanting airlines to consider opening new air routes and providing chartered flights on under-served routes.