Price Cuts to Attract Customers

Vietsmile Travel Company said they reduced some tours by US$50- $60 and the company was considering reducing its profit margins in order to keep regular customers.

Some smaller tour companies are in even an even more grave situation. They said they used to take an average of 20 to 30 groups each month but now numbers had dwindled to just two or three groups a month.

December to February is usually the peak tourist season for international visitors to visit the Asia-Pacific region. However, the signs are not looking good for the peak season this year.

Some industry insiders say the situation in Bangkok, where anti-government protestors seized control of the city’s two main airports for more than a week, could make Vietnam a more attractive destination for international tourists.

But, on the other hand, Vietnam is considered a slightly more expensive travel destination than Thailand.

And, while Vietnam Airlines and budget carrier Jetstar Pacific have been offering cheap domestic tickets in recent months, international fares to Vietnam have not been discounted.

“We are lacking strong advertising programs and quick marketing campaigns to help the tourism sector overcome the current difficulties,” Culture, Sport and Tourism Minister Anh said.