Tight budget constrains have slowed down the tourism industry of Vietnam. The tourism administration feels that more effectiveness is required in promoting tourism. Vietnam International Travel Mart 2015 addresses the effective ways in promoting tourism.
Vietnam generates around US$700 million in tourism revenue a year, and only around $1.5 million is set aside for promotion activities, according to the VNAT chief.
Being the largest travel mart in Vietnam, the VITM 2015 organised from April 3 to 6 is hosted at a time when the Southeast Asian countries are trying to attract more international visitors. Vietnam has been receiving few visitors from China, Russia and the EU.
The administration feels that budget constraints are hampering effective ad campaigns from being made that can draw tourism.
Where Cambodia and Thailand spend $3.5 million and $86 million according to the Hanoi-based Institute for Tourism Development Research on tourism promotion Vietnam spends only $2.5million on promotion.
Malaysia and Singapore spend $130 million and $100 million on tourism promotion respectively.
Most international tourists are turning to these countries to spend their holidays. Their travelling costs are more competitive than Vietnam can offer.
Local tourists from Vietnam prefer to visit Malaysia and Singapore as their packages are more attractive than the ones offered in Vietnam.
About 5 million tourists spend their holidays outside their own country and the number went up by 20 per cent last year.
People from Vietnam spend $300 per trip on other countries while Vietnam lost $1.5 billion on tourist spending last year.
Vietnam tourism cannot attend travel exhibitions and introduce its beauty to international tourists owing to its shoestring budget. Attending limited number of events cripples its chances for tourism.
Targeting markets of Japan, Germany, and the UK and working with local tourism companies would benefit Vietnam’s tourism prospects.
Also the booths at international fares are poorly decorated and private participation is required to promote Vietnam internationally rather than just depending on VNAT for its promotions and campaigns.
