Domestic tours expected to surge for Tet holiday

Tourists at a floating fishing farm in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City - With the third outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic under control, the demand for domestic tours during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday is expected to rise in the next few weeks, according to travel agencies.

The country will enjoy a seven-day Tet holiday starting from February 10.

Hundreds of domestic and overseas tours during Tet are usually introduced at this time of year, said Lai Minh Duy, general director of TST Tourist.

Due to the pandemic, travel agencies are now focusing on only domestic tours for the Tet holiday and are taking preventive measures to ensure the health and safety of travellers, Duy said.

The company is offering 25 tour products for Tet, with tours by air accounting for 40 percent. Early-bird bookings will receive discounts and gifts.

“High quality tours with thrilling dining experiences, high-end hotels and safe destinations are highlights of tour products this year,” he added.

Doan Thi Thanh Tra, marketing director at Saigontourist, said the company received many bookings for tours to Phu Quoc Island, Da Lat city, and destinations in the central region during the holiday.

The number of bookings are expected to rise in the next few weeks if there are no further outbreaks caused by community infections.

The company began selling tours for Tet in early October.

Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, marketing deputy director at Vietravel, said around 500-600 customers were buying tours each day.

The company expects to serve 35,000 domestic guests during the holiday, an increase of 135 percent compared to the same period last year.

Tran Thi Bao Thu, marketing and communication director at Fiditour - Vietluxtour, said domestic tours are major products for Tet this year, and tours are designed depending mostly based on the safety of the destination.

As the pandemic has affected customers’ confidence and travel demand, tours for Tet this year will not be as busy as in previous years, Thu said.