Luxury Travel attracts high-end tourists to Vietnam

The Vietnamese tourism industry is changing. The number of high end travelers is on the rise, while the number of backpackers is decreasing. Vietnam increasingly is being recognized as a destination for high-end global tourists.

According to VNAT statistics, most foreign luxury travelers come from Western European countries. In 2007, Vietnam welcomed 170,000 French tourists.

A high numbers of travelers have also come from the UK (100,000) and Germany (100,000). Russian visitors increased sharply, 50%, in 2007.

The number of Japanese and South Koreans also rose healthily in 2007 with 430,000 and 470,000, respectively.

ASEAN has also been a major market for Vietnam's tourism sector with travelers from Thailand up 38% in 2007 and Malaysia 50%. Among the 15 leading markets, nine grew by over 20% over the last year.

Ha Pham, founder and CEO of the Luxury Travel Company, Vietnam's first luxury tour operator, believes the time is ripe for high-end travelers worldwide. Vietnam has world class properties to compete with other destinations in the region. These luxury travelers are keen to visit and discover the country. "There are lots of qualities that attract those who are affluent, famous and those from royalty."

"Golf, spas, beaches, family travel, junks and sampan cruises, honeymoon and romance packages have moved up in terms of favorites for upscale travelers. Vietnam's appeal is vast. In addition to comfort and security, it offers warm weather year round, stunning scenery, world class cuisine and luxury shopping. However, many travel companies in Vietnam still sell the same tourism products since 10 years ago, and there are no niche products for this upscale market," says Ha.

A high society and middle class have been emerging in Vietnam over the past few years. These elite travelers want to experience their holiday in style. Yet there are no luxury tours for the high-end Vietnamese--those who are cash-rich but don't have extended time to travel overseas and within the country. These domestic tourists care about quality of service. The market has potential, but has not been fully tapped.

The first luxury tour company was founded in Vietnam in 2004 to catch this trend and serve upscale travelers coming to the country. With the Vietnam National Of Administration of Tourism, the Luxury Travel Vietnam Company will take part in the ITB Asia Singapore, the FIRST TIME in Asia, from October 22 to 24, 2008 to promote Vietnam's luxury services in order to lure more high-end tourists to the country."

The challenge for Vietnamese tourism is overcoming an image crisis as a destination. We need to create more upscale niche market products and services. Our company, therefore, is making great efforts to build up a right one for high-end customers and tour operators around the world at the ITB Asia in Singapore, adds Pham Ha.

VBF