ASEAN Tourism Forum week hits Ha Noi early lunar New Year; Tour operators cut prices as economic woes decrease visitors; Viet Nam waives visas for Russians for tourism purposes next month

The eight-day forum, considered the most important event in the ASEAN tourism co-operation framework, will see around 1,500 delegates, including tourism ministers, leaders of national tourism offices, travel agents, and tour operators, from around the world.

The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism has participated in every ATF since 1998, attending the Travex Expo together with travel businesses and organising press conferences, entertainment shows, and banquets to showcase the country, people, and culture.

Tour operators cut prices as economic woes decrease visitors

Many tour companies are offering discounts and other promotions to attract customers as the global economic crisis hits tourism around the world.

Cholontourist Company said it has reduced the prices of some tours by US$50-60 and is considering further reducing profit margins to keep regular customers.

In Viet Nam, tour operators said the number of groups booking their services has dropped from an average of 25 a month to two or three.

December-February is usually the peak tourist season for the Asia-Pacific region. But the signs are not looking good this year.

Viet Nam is considered a slightly more expensive travel destination than Thailand. While Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific have been offering cheap domestic tickets in recent months, international fares to Viet Nam remain high.

Viet Nam waives visas for Russians for tourism purposes next month

From January 1 next year, Russian visitors with valid passports will no longer require visas to come to Viet Nam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

Viet Nam will be the third Southeast Asian country after Thailand and Laos to waive visas for Russian citizens visiting for tourism purposes.

For a visa waiver for stays of 15 days or less, Russian visitors must have a valid passport and a return or onward ticket.

Cathay Pacific Airways cuts fuel surcharges for long-haul services

Cathay Pacific Airways will reduce passenger fuel surcharges from US$25.1 to $13.8 for short-haul flights and from $106.7 to $64 for long-haul services in Northeast and Southeast Asia including those in Viet Nam.

For a two-month period, effective from December 1, travellers flying with Cathay Pacific will only have to pay the usual fares, airport taxes and administrative fees.

Viet Nam remains attractive to Japanese tourists

Viet Nam will be one of the key destinations to be listed in Japan’s tourism promotion programme in the near future, according to the Japanese Association of Travel Agents.

Though Japan is in the throes of the global economic downturn, 400,000 Japanese have visited Viet Nam so far this year.

Vietnam Airlines said it has focused on boosting co-operation with Japanese travel agents and official agencies to hold cultural and tourism events to attract Japanese tourists to Viet Nam.

The carrier operates six direct flights from Ha Noi and HCM City to Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

(Source: Viet Nam News)