VIETNAM
Gemma Wilson, Far East Programme Manager, Western & Oriental
“Phan Thiet is a great spot for families and first- timers. Close to Ho Chi Minh, it combines beaches, fascinating fishing villages, sand dunes, golf courses and great windsurfing”
JOSIE BALL, SALES MANAGER UK, VICTORIA HOTELS & RESORTS
that the value is defi nitely
there, because if you look at top- grade hotels in Europe and the Mediterranean you’re paying pretty high prices now,” says Funway’s Product Administration Executive Nandita Patel.
Vietnam was identifi ed last year as
a ‘rising star’ by Hayes and Jarvis and has since been outperforming ‘big brother’ Thailand in recent months. The tour operator’s fi rst 2013 long- haul report (covering October to January), saw the destination enter into its top 10 worldwide best-sellers at number seven. Vietnam’s treble-digit growth
of 117 per cent year-on-year resulted, says the operator’s Head of Commercial Sean Dowd, from new direct fl ights and “a fast- growing appetite for tailor-made, multi-centre trips that combine exploration, a rich heritage and beaches to match those of Thailand”. Victoria Hotels & Resorts Sales Manager UK Josie Ball expects the launch of Vietnam Airlines’ fl ights between popular Hoi An, and Can Tho in the Mekong will stimulate interest in twin-centres between the two.
Beach-only Vietnam holidays are also possible and Travel Indochina stresses the great value air fares and hotel deals to be had in the, often overlooked, April to June period. Look out too for off-beat itineraries, like Audley’s Phong Nga
Discovery, exploring the world’s largest caves and dune surfi ng, and Travel Indochina’s Cycling Vietnam, and for tours themed around Vietnam’s wonderful culinary scene, offered by Wendy Wu, Premier Holidays, Inspired by Asia and others.
What’s new Operators: Travel Indochina has
joined Tipto and will be attending its training roadshows this year. A Travel Indochina training module has been launched through Tipto.
co.uk and 20 new fi lm clips have been added to the operator’s website as an agent selling tool. Aqua Expeditions, known for
Amazon cruises, is expanding into Vietnam and Cambodia in early 2014 with the launch of 20-suite luxury vessel Aqua Mekong featuring a fi tness centre, screening room and pool. The operator, which pays 10% commission, will run three-, four- and seven-night itineraries from Siem Reap to My Tho, near Saigon. Asian specialist Luxury Travel has unveiled its eigth anniversary brochure, which includes Lux’s hot list of luxury hotels and selling tips for each destination and tour, each recommended by its local luxury travel specialists. The creative local tour operator and DMC hosts
Below, left to right: the rich and
luxurious Victoria Express train, from Victoria Hotels; on the river in Hoi An
Vietnam’s popularity has soared in recent years. Why?
Meet the Operator
Regular Far East visitors have been to Thailand, Malaysia and Bali and are looking for a new, unspoilt destination to explore. Vietnam’s fascinating history, rich culture, abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and
welcoming people is attractive. An increasing number of new luxury hotels and regular fl ights from the UK – notably Vietnam Airlines’ London route and
Emirates’ new routing into Ho Chi Minh City – has also helped.
Which types of clients are being drawn to Vietnam? Couples looking for unspoilt beaches and peaceful retreats; families wanting an educational experience for children and a safe, friendly environment.
What are the must-do elements of a Vietnam holiday?
An overnight junk cruise on UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay, with its dramatic limestone rocks rising out of the water; the charming cobbled streets, historic buildings and shops of UNESCO-rated Hoi An; the incredible labyrinth that is the Cu Chi tunnels – home to Vietcong guerillas during the Vietnam War; and the food!
Sample Package The Essential Vietnam tour
takes in the highlights of Vietnam in seven days from £1499pp with international and domestic fl ights, six nights in top accommodation with breakfast and private touring and transfers. Beach extensions in Vietnam or Thailand available.
wandotravel.com
www.sellinglonghaul.com April 2013 37
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