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A Crucial Source of International Tourists
China stands as a pivotal international tourist source for numerous countries globally, including Vietnam. Data from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism in 2019 shows that 155 million Chinese tourists spent over $25 trillion USD abroad. Analysts believe the 'revenge travel' trend post-China's tourism reopening on January 8 will significantly boost global economies.
Statistics from the Chinese travel site Trip.com indicate a 540% increase in bookings by Chinese tourists for overseas trips during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday (January 21-27, 2023), with average spending per booking rising by 32%. Top destinations include Australia, Thailand, Japan, the US, and the UK.
For Vietnam, China represents the largest international tourism market in terms of both inbound (welcoming international tourists) and outbound (sending tourists overseas) activities. In 2019, Vietnam welcomed 5.8 million Chinese visitors, nearly a third of its total international tourist arrivals, while about 4.5 million Vietnamese tourists visited China, making it the top destination for Vietnam's outbound tourism.
Following the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)'s announcement on lifting restrictions for regular international flights, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam promptly informed Vietnamese airlines about the update. Carriers like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Pacific Airlines have since resumed regular flights to China and various other destinations, with tourism operators ready to welcome back Chinese visitors.
Seeking Sustainable Solutions for the Chinese Tourist Market
Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the Vietnam Tourism Association and the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province, hosted a conference to discuss 'Attracting Chinese Tourists to Vietnam,' seeking expert opinions on the matter. In 2022, international arrivals to Vietnam reached only 3.5 million, about 70% of the target. The Chinese tourist market is anticipated to be a key driver for the recovery of Vietnam's international tourism in 2023.
After years of travel restrictions due to the pandemic, the travel habits and demands of tourists globally, including those from China, have evolved significantly. This necessitates a recalibration by the Vietnamese tourism sector to develop tourism products, services, infrastructure, and human resources that align with the changing preferences of this key demographic in the new normal.
In anticipation of sustainably welcoming Chinese tourists, Nguyen Trung Khanh, the head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, has urged localities and businesses to adopt measures that not only provide thorough and high-quality services to tourists but also ensure health safety and disease prevention, considering the potential emergence of new COVID-19 variants.
Mr. Khanh also emphasized the importance of tailoring tourism products and services to meet the post-pandemic needs and characteristics of Chinese tourists. He advocated for enhanced market connection activities, promotion, and advertising, especially focusing on proactively reaching the Chinese market through popular social media platforms in China like Weibo, Douyin, and Xigua. Additionally, there's a call for plans to train and develop high-quality human resources dedicated to serving Chinese tourists.
Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, believes in thorough preparation for effectively and safely hosting Chinese tourists. 'The first step for the tourism industry is to implement urgent solutions to attract Chinese tourists again. At the same time, it's crucial to enact strict regulations for managing these activities to ensure optimal business outcomes, correct any illegal practices in serving Chinese tourists, and create the best possible impression to ensure the sustainable development of this vital market.'
Mr. Binh also highlighted the importance of addressing and rectifying the previous shortcomings encountered in tapping into the Chinese tourist market, such as the proliferation of low-cost tours (zero-dollar tours), shadow businesses, and scams in goods transactions. These issues have contributed to negative perceptions and reactions from Chinese tourists towards Vietnamese tourism.
Source: https://baophapluat.vn/chuan-bi-don-du-khach-trung-quoc-post464332.html
