Discounts to pump up domestic tourism
13:09 05/05/2009

Tourists are offered discounts of up to 50 percent, a measure to promote tourism sector in Vietnam

 

International and domestic tourists will enjoy discounts of up to 50 percent on package tours, accommodation, shopping and air and bus tickets this year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced Monday.

 

The bargain prices are part of the ministry’s push to stimulate tourism during the first nine months of this year in the face of a continued global economic downturn, which is causing many travelers to postpone or cancel their holiday plans.

The “Impressive Vietnam!” campaign will be promoted by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) in local and foreign media.

Some 37 travel enterprises and 61 hotels have agreed to offer discounts of between 30 and 50 percent.

The discounts will apply to some international flights into Vietnam and domestic flights operated by the nation’s leading air carrier, Vietnam Airlines.

Deputy Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Tran Chien Thang said the campaign was designed to encourage tourism by stepping up promotional activities and lowering prices while maintaining quality.

The number of companies that have signed up to the “Impressive Vietnam” campaign, although appearing relatively small, represent 70 percent the country’s tourism market, Thang said. Vietnam has about 700 tourism enterprises and 600 hotels rated three stars and above.

The deputy minister also said the first task that needed to be done was promoting Vietnam as a travel destination on the internet as well as in the media in major tourism markets such as Europe, America, Australia, Northeastern Asia and Southeast Asia.

Vietnam will also open its doors to more foreign newspapers and travelers and provide them with detailed information on the country’s promotional programs, Thang said.

The campaign will also focus on improving the diversity of traditional festivals and cultural events, as well as environmental protection, he said.

In 2008, international arrivals into Vietnam increased 0.6 percent on the previous year to 4.3 million, according to VNAT.

The number of foreign visitors last year fell as a result of the global economic downturn, as well as domestic issues such as high inflation, poor infrastructure, low standards of service and a shortage of qualified staff.

To further stimulate inbound tourism, VNAT has called for the government to simplify visa procedures for international tourists.

The tourism body also recommended the government halve the value-added tax (VAT) rates for hotels and travel service companies to 5 percent.

 

Hotels should also be offered lower electricity and water rates, VNAT said. The tourism body also recommended the government allow entertainment venues, such as nightclubs and bars, to operate for extended hours, until 2 a.m. instead of the current 12 a.m. closing time.

Source : vietnewsonline.vn