VIETNAM-based Luxury Travel will join the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) in October to promote luxury travel products at World Travel Market (WTM) from November 5 to 8 in London.
According to Pham Ha, founder of Luxury Travel, the UK has been a great market for the company, which has appealing products for Britons’ tastes and preferences.
“We target the right clients with personalised products and services.” said Ha.
He also noted that the company had increased the number of private small groups that it served, primarily with tailor-made holidays.
“British holidaymakers like custom and private tours, not big groups. The boom in demand suggests that holidaymakers are becoming increasingly canny and watching exchange rates as well as seeking out keenly-priced packages before deciding on their destination.” he said.
Britain’s tourists, according to Ha, picked Vietnam for their vacations for safety, affordable prices, authenticity, warm weather, and convenient direct flights. Vietnam Airlines introduced service between Gatwick and Hanoi in December 2011, becoming the first direct flights to the country from Britain, and reducing the journey by several hours.
“With our marketing efforts and commitments, we will attract more British travellers who wish to experience Vietnam in style and luxury, and we’ll encourage them stay longer. Typical stays are 10 or 14 days, and in four or five-star hotels.” he said.
Another reason for the sharp increase in Britons taking holidays in Vietnam is the recent opening of new holiday resorts in the Southeast Asian nation. The past few years have seen the completion of many luxurious resorts with names such as Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa, Intercontinental Peninsula Danang Sun Spa and Six Senses Con Dao, entering the market and offering more choices for travellers.
“With our representative office in London for the UK and Ireland markets, we are targeting double digit growth in this market for 2013.” said Ha.
The new slogan of Vietnam tourism, “Vietnam – Timeless Charm”, was created with an aim to attract travelers from the UK and elsewhere, who wish to experience the country’s defining characteristics: Thrills, nature, heritage, festival, pristine, enjoyment, scenery and essence.
The country receives 100,000 British tourists yearly, and the number of tourists increases an average of 68 per cent thank to new flight connection.
“Our representatives work hard to promote destinations, educate local travel agents, and generate public interest in Vietnam as a high-end holiday destination. To help our travel agents and tour operators to sell our Vietnam luxury tours, I invite travel professionals to do a 10-day familiarization trip to Vietnam. Participants receive a certificate confirming their status as a ‘Luxury Travel Specialist’ after the trip,” added Ha.
“This is the perfect way to learn more about Vietnam and some of the most dynamic new products available for 2012 – 2013. This tour blends innovative touring with hotel inspections to give agents insight into the destinations and become true luxury travel advisors.”
Luxury Travel Ltd sponsors trips to Vietnam during the WTM show. To book a trip, get Lux’s new travel agent brochure, sales and marketing materials (and a confidential tariff book for Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar luxury tours) or to book an appointment in advance with Richard Parks or Pham Ha, please send an email to uk@luxurytravelvietnam.com