Vu The Binh from the Department of Travel said the matter would be discussed with airlines and hotels, the two most important services of the program. If the companies agree with the extension, the department will make it happen.

“I think the tourism sector needs to lengthen the program because the sector has not recovered yet. However, hoteliers and airline service providers have their own views and business plans so that we need to have a further discussion,” he said.

Under the program, Vietnam Airlines, hotels and related service providers are helping tour operators to offer special package tour prices to local tourists. From February to October, around 11,000 domestic travelers bought package tours by air under the promotion.

Binh said entrepreneurs needed to see the promotion program as a way to increase business in the low season only and not as a way to attract local tourists.

“Businesses, both tour operators and other relevant service providers, need to improve services to attract tourists. Lower rates cannot attract tourists in the long tern without improving services,” he said.

However, the country’s tourism sector has seen the potential of domestic tourism via the program. Local tourists are on the rise while foreign arrivals are declining.

“We are planning to combine with local tourist service providers to improve services for these important guests instead of focusing on services for international tourists,” Binh said.

The national tourism authority estimates that 25 million local people will travel this year, around five million more than last year and more than this year’s expectation.