Solutions to Attract Tourists to Vietnam

Together with the adverse impact of the economic crisis and the swine flu A (H1N1) spreading to many countries, tourist companies are facing a dilemma. To find a way out, tourist companies are introducing many products to attract tourists.

 

According to some travel companies, athough it's the high time of tourism the number of tourists to foreign countries reduced significantly due to the swine flu A (H1N1). Many have cancelled or changed their tours. The increase of insurance and A (H1N1) insurance by travel companies have ensured tourists in their tours. Saigontourist has increased AIG insurance fees for outbound tourists. Special insurances are applied for natural calamities, diseases, accidents and baggages. Outbound tourists of Saigontourist and its agents in Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho, Quang Ninh have maximum insurance of USU$50,000/person to Europe and US$10,000/person to other places. The insurance also includes the service of International SOS with free hot-line call and health care of international standards. Saigontourist staff will ensure maximum safety for tourists. In addition, A(H1N1) patients of Saigontourist will be granted US$5,000 a person and US$100 per day in case of hospitalization.

 

For its part, Vietravel has increased its insurance fee to US$75,000/person to European tour and US$10,000 for other countries. While local tourists are also granted insurance of US$5,000 at maximum.

 

Canthotourist has bought global tourist insurance from AAA for A (H1N1) for outbound tourists with a maximum of US$75,000/person.

 

With the application of such insurance packages, the number of outbound tourists has resumed. Vietravel representative disclosed that tours to Singapore, Malaysia, China, Thailand, Cambodia and especially Europe have increased. Those have cancelled their tours have resumed the tours again.

 

In addition to insurances, travel companies have also introduced new promotion tours, especially outbound tours with attractive prices, some even at half price. Among tours to the countries in the region, “Sale trade fair 2009” in Thailand is the most attractive tour. Saigontourist has introduced a shopping and golf tour in Thailand with US$225-345/person as well as Vietravel with a 6-day tour in Thailand at VND2.8-4.4 million/person. Travel companies have also developed promotion tours to Singapore, Bali, Malaysia, Cambodia, Hong Kong. Saigontourist has launched super-saving Iko travel to Phu Quoc, Tuy Hoa, Ha Long, Nha Trang with good services at 4-5 star hotels and resorts and special savings for families. In Phu Quoc, for example, the savings are up to VND300,000-550,000 per family. For its part, Vietravel has increased tours to both Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Phu Quoc in the South and Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh in the North with savings of VND2 million/person.               
Huong Thao