Hanoi: Vacationers prefer domestic tours this summer
Hanoi-based travel agencies report that local holiday-makers have shifted their attention to domestic destinations this summer instead of choosing out-bound tours like in previous years, which is a positive sign for the tourism sector.
Many companies saw booking of domestic tours increase by at least 10 percent from last year, such as Vietravel Hanoi, Hanoi Red Tours, Vietrantour, Hanoitourist and Vietnamtourist.
While beach tours to traditional destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc are a constant favourite for holiday makers in summer, travel agencies this year offer a number of new destinations thanks to the opening of new air services. Beautiful and almost untouched beaches in the central provinces of Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Quang Ngai and Ninh Thuan attract a lot of attention.
Nguyen Cong Hoan, Deputy Director General of Hanoi Red Tours said his company has developed many new tours this year, with its tours to Tuy Hoa in Phu Yen province as a highlight, as the company has reached agreement with airlines to offer 30 percent discount in flight costs.
Meanwhile, Vietravel Hanoi is promoting new tours combining relaxation and discovery, such as Nha Trang-Buon Me Thuot and Quang Binh-Vinh. In addition, tours to the south-western region during the flood season promise to give vacationers a peaceful and relaxed time picking fruits in orchards and riding boats on rivers to watch sunrise or sunset.
Travel agencies also affirmed that tour prices will stay stable this year as they have coordinated with airlines and hotels to promote domestic destinations.