Americans opt for Vietnam
It’s cheap, it’s safe and there's much to see and do, so it’s no wonder that more and more Americans are coming to Vietnam these days.
“What happed with earthquakes and tsunamis in other parts of the region, Americans want to travel to Vietnam”, says Mr. Losebastien, Secretary General of the ASEAN Tourism Association.
He also reckons that what makes Vietnam attractive is the way it “retains the features of an Asian agricultural country on the path of renovation and integration.” The people are friendly, and they don’t dwell on the bitter past but look to the future.
”Professor John Quelch, vice-rector of the Harvard Business School, gets his strongest impression of Vietnam from the festivities at Lunar New Year time. “I remember there were these motorcyclists carrying kumquat and peach trees; it looked like a forest was coming down the street! What a wonderful time for everyone!”
Professor John Quelch, vice-rector of the Harvard Business School, gets his strongest impression of Vietnam from the festivities at Lunar New Year time. “I remember there were these motorcyclists carrying kumquat and peach trees; it looked like a forest was coming down the street! What a wonderful time for everyone!
The airlines are doing their bit to bring more foreigners here. For instance, United Airlines began direct flights between San Francisco and Ho Chi Minh City in June 2005, and more French and Korean airlines are flying to Vietnam these days.
And hotels and travel agents, both Vietnamese and American, are offering more and classier tours to Vietnam.
According to the Asia Pacific Tourism Association, a full million Americans visited Vietnam last year, and it’s looking like 50% more will see the country in 2006, spending a thousand bucks apiece on average after they arrive. It’s all good news for the travel industry.
Unfortunately, the marketing of Vietnam as a place to visit is not good, not by a long shot. Most Americans who come here know little about the land when they step off the plane, so local travel agents, airlines and hotels need to network much more and formulate strategies for long-term marketing.
Foreign visitors are learning about the travel information in a stall of the Tourism Department of Khanh Hoa Province.
“Vietnam’s tourism industry should make the most of such things as the nation’s delicious and diverse food, the ao dai (traditional lady dress), and that it’s a unique country full of motorbikes,” Mr. Losebastien adds.
“Vietnam’s tourism industry should make the most of such things as the nation’s delicious and diverse food, the ao dai (traditional lady dress), and that it’s a unique country full of motorbikes,” Mr. Losebastien adds.
Vietnam has gained a reputation as a safe and attractive land to visit and travel around, of that there is no question.
Many people reckon 2006 will turn out to be a particularly good year for Vietnam's tourism industry, and like to mention the fact that this country will host the APEC summit later this year.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has launched promotions and its 2006-2010 National Tourism Action Programme, and the slogan "Vietnam - the Hidden Charm" is catching on among tour operators, travel agents and visitors.
Source: VNeconomy and Sai Gon Giai Phong
