Vietnam Could Double Tourism Targets

Vietnam Could Double Tourism Targets

Vietnam could double its targets of 3.2 million foreign arrivals, 15-16 million domestic tourists and revenues of US$2 billion in 2005 if potentials of the industry are exploited appropriately, according to local tourism experts.

Most experts agreed that Vietnam is rich in tourism potential. Five UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites and a series of coastal landscapes with special and diversified cultural features are valuable property of the nation. How to aptly exploit the potential however, depends on the Government’s and local peoples' attitude and behaviors, they said

First of all, local hospitality needs a comprehensive plan of exploitation but also preservation of natural heritage sites to ensure they are developed sustainably, experts say.

According to Mr. Pham Tu, Deputy Head of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the sector has made a significant step forwards by becoming the fifth strongest player in the region from the lowest position in the past decade.

However almost all positive indicators revealed Vietnam is now out-competed by neighbors such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, the official revealed.

“Our most important tasks are to make quality and competitive products, target high-class clients and to lure visitors back”, Tu said.  Pointing out that greater efforts will be made to complete the Law of Tourism and deal with such urgent issues as tourism development management, raising investments, finishing the national action plan in 2001-2005 and mapping out ones for next period.

Going further into details, Director of Tay Ho Company noted that there should be an obligatory qualification for managers and operators of enterprises in the field. He also complained of the quality of tourist guides, who will play a very important role in the visitors’ impression.

Meanwhile, Truong Van Mai from the Vietnam Tourism Company stressed quality services will be the most effective promotion. The image of a destination is always built from small pieces, therefore, considerate and devoted behaviors of servants are vital.

Sharing the same view with Mai, Vo Anh Tai from the nation's leading travel company Saigontourist said “quality must always be put on the top”.

Vietnam is considered as one of the safest and most attractive destinations for foreigners and the country should take full advantage of this, he said, adding that there should be a common “trademark” for the national sector.

Obstacles facing the sector are poor infrastructure, social environment, transport means and particularly public hygiene facilities, Tai said. “ An unsanitary toilette can spoil the whole impression of foreign visitors,” he noted.

Mr. Fredrick Arul, General Director of the five-star Melia Hanoi Hotel, reiterated that Vietnam needs more luxury accommodations and more direct air routes between Vietnam and other terminals in the world.

“Complicated procedures in visa issuance has always been one of the most annoying issues for tourists, ” he said.

According to Mr. Pham Tu, from now to the end of this year, Vietnam will launch ten promotion programs, join ten international tourism fairs and issue tons of publications.

Vietnam’s prioritized markets will still be Northeastern Asia and others like Southeastern Asia, Eastern Europe, North America and Australia.

In 2005, Vietnam hopes to welcome 3.2 million international arrivals and 15 million domestic holiday-makers, earning VND30 trillion (US$1.91 billion) from tourism services, and posting respective year-on-year increases between 10-15 per cent.