Travel and tourism in Vietnam added about 5% to the national GDP in 2011, which indicates a major increase from the 3.9% it contributed in 2010. Travel and tourism also accounted for 3% of the country’s total lob opportunities in 2011. Vietnam’s tourist volume, which includes inbound, domestic and outbound tourists, increased during the review period (2007-2011). The main reasons for this growth include Vietnam’s growing economy, hosting of international fairs and exhibitions, government initiatives to promote the country as an attractive tourist destination, and increasing level of leisure and business travel. In 2011, Vietnam recorded the fourth-fastest inbound tourism growth in the world. The main growth drivers over the forecast period will be the government’s efforts to increase inbound tourism, the country’s improving consumer confidence and the high demand for promotional offers provided by Vietnam travel and tourism suppliers.
Hanoi, Vietnam, January 7, 2014
Keeping with its annual tradition, Luxury Travel (Vietnam’s first luxury tour and travel operator and most successful luxury travel brand) announces its forecast on the travel trends to watch in 2014 in the Vietnam tourism industry.
Wellness and Spa:
Vietnam has followed the lead of Thailand and begun embracing spa culture with a wide selection of resorts and day spas that are the equal of any in the world. Spa vacationers now choose Vietnam for various wellness and spa options, such as the 6 star spa at the Nam Hai, heritage spa at Pilgrimage Village Resort Hue, the all-inclusive spas at Fusion Maia Danang, the family spa at Six Senses Nha Trang, day spas in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the beach spa at Princess d’Anam or Antara Mui Ne or the destination spas at Emeralda Ninh Binh, Six Sense Con Dao or Life Resort Quy Nhon.
Bespoke Itineraries With a Sense of Place:
It is all about the experience and a storytelling. Travel should be personalized and luxury travel advisors are learning to blend experiences that are tailored to personal desires along with truly special options that reflect the destination. Luxury travel is no longer just about fine dining and five-star hotels. With so many new experiences on offer, it’s the stories travellers can tell afterwards that confer status.
Seeking Out what’s Next & New:
High-end travellers will always want new and exotic experiences, plus value, both in terms of personal value and value for money. They seek new destinations, roads less travelled, new hotels and new experiences. They want to be the first to discover a destination. Many have moved towards a quieter understated luxury and plan their trips with a focus on authenticity and experiential travel, focused on enriching once-in-a-lifetime experiences. For travel experts, it is essentially about creating a package that is personal as well as authentic and memorable.
The online booking and planning on a Vietnam travel is also another trend that has seen Vietnam grow in terms of tourist. Many visitors will not want to queue or take so much time in planning and making arrangements for Vietnam travel, with the online platform, everything is done easily and conveniently by travellers thus making Vietnam the place to go.