As Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, approaches, travel agencies across Vietnam are buzzing with activity. The peak of the travel season brings a deluge of bookings for both domestic and international tours. Viet Media Travel, one of the frontrunners in the industry, has already exceeded its business target for the holiday, anticipating serving over 5,000 tourists – a 30% increase from the previous year.
A Shift in Tourism Trends
Despite a steady hold on tour prices, domestic tour costs have edged up slightly due to heightened airfares. The preference for tours lasting 4-6 days remains constant, with 25% of travelers opting for nearby international destinations such as Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, or Indonesia.
Domestic travel continues to favor the northeastern, northwestern, and central regions, along with the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City. This year, however, sees an upswing in bookings for spring tours and combined pagoda and leisure activities.
Economic Factors and Consumer Spending
Ben Thanh Tourist, another prominent agency, has reached 98% of its Tết holiday target, noting a 20% increase in visitors compared to last year. However, numbers are still 13% lower than pre-pandemic levels. This lag is attributed to economic factors and a more conservative approach to spending among consumers.
PYS Travel reports fully booked domestic tours, particularly those featuring peach and plum blossoms in Ha Giang and Moc Chau. The agency has also witnessed a rise in bookings for spring tours and combined pagoda and leisure activities.
Meeting the Demand
Vietluxtour, fully booked for Tết, is offering additional services such as air tickets, hotel bookings, and car rentals to cater to the influx of tourists. As the travel season reaches its zenith, tourists are advised to book through reputable agencies and verify information before confirmation to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
As the Tết holiday season unfolds, the surge in tourist bookings paints a promising picture for Vietnam’s tourism industry. The shift towards international tours and the continued popularity of domestic travel suggest a robust recovery, hinting at a prosperous future for the sector.
