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In recent years, Vietnam has begun
to catch up in terms of wellness and
spa innovation, embracing spa culture
with a wide selection of resorts and day
spas that are equal to any in the world.
Many world class golf courses have also
recently opened, making Vietnam a ma-
jor golf destination as well.
Despite the uncertain global econ-
omy, Ha claimed that business from
Europe into the region is still growing,
buoyed by FITs and small groups.
“Our UK market is doing well for
the FIT, small group and special inter-
est segments, posting a 30 per cent
increase from 2011 to 2012,” said Ha,
attributing this partly to the launch of
Vietnam Airlines’ thrice-weekly flights
to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City out of
Gatwick in December 2011.
“At the same time, our German
business rose 25 per cent, led by FITs,
couples and multi-generational family
segments.
“We expect good German traffic to
Vietnam in 2013-2014, especially from
small groups, families, couples and
special interest travelers. Germany is
among the top European markets for
us, aided by a direct flight between
Vietnam and Germany.
“Vietnam is better known as a back-
packer destination for German travelers,
but efforts are being made to promote
Vietnam as a luxury destination and to
attract upscale German-speaking travel-
ers with niche tourism products. Our Ger-
man speaking team is very well placed to
serve high-end travelers,” said Ha.
In early December 2012, the travel
and tourism professional association,
the United States Tour Operators Asso-
ciation, voted Vietnam the second most
popular emerging destination. Myan-
mar topped the poll, while Vietnam was
followed by India and Peru.
Travel+Leisure Magazine recently
listed three Vietnamese hotels and re-
sorts among the Top 500 World’s Best
Hotels. Those that made the cut were
the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi,
the Nam Hai in Hoi An and Park Hyatt
Saigon.
“The beauty of our Vietnam lux-
ury tours is the first hand knowledge
and excellent service of our local travel
experts. Our trips have been carefully
designed to capture the crème de la
crème, allowing you to really experi-
ence the culture, flow smoothly from
place to place, and allow time for re-
laxation. Itineraries can be modified to
suit your tastes, time frame, budget,
and special interests and you can stay at
the world’s best hotels,” says Ha.
However, Ha spotted some worry-
ing signs. He observed that more Eu-
ropean travellers booked with short
lead times, from a year to six or three
months ahead, with last-minute book-
ings occasionally. European FITs were
also cutting back on their time in Viet-
nam from two weeks to 10 days, and
now stayed in less expensive properties.
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