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.