6.3.2019 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 18
Destination Vietnam
Trendy and shaping up
Market trends for 2019
Growing air connections and emerging beaches are proving strong drawcards
for German and European markets into Vietnam, writes Marissa Carruthers
A
s Vietnam catches on in the
German travel market, devel-
opments – both within and
beyond the country’s primary
tourism cities – are pointing towards
greater readiness to welcome visitors.
According to the latest figures from
Vietnam National Administration of
Tourism (VNAT), 213,986 arrivals were
recorded from Germany in 2018. This
represents a 7.1 per cent year-on-year
(YOY) increase and placed the country as
the fourth highest-performing European
market.
In total, Vietnam welcomed over two
million European visitors in 2018 – an
8.1 per cent YOY rise. Russia led the pack
with 606,637 arrivals, followed by 298,114
from the UK and 279,659 from France.
Efforts carried out in 2018 to stimulate
more growth from Europe are expected to
pay off in the future. In early 2018, VNAT
– in collaboration with relevant parties
– put together a programme to present
tourism products in Zurich, Munich, Vi-
enna, Budapest and Prague. In September
and October, VNAT organised roadshows
in Paris, Madrid, Milan and Hamburg.
In Danang, the industry is collaborat-
ing with Goethe Institute in Hanoi and
Ho Chi Minh City to train more German-
speaking tour guides.
Trung Tran, Asia DMC’s German mar-
ket business development manager, said:
“The German-speaking market is con-
sidered significant and the Vietnamese
tourism sector has launched some major
marketing and promotion programmes
to lure more German tourists.”
He noted a rise in the number of repeat
visitors from Germany seeking off-the-
beaten track experiences.
Other factors driving the expected
growth include aggressive marketing
campaigns from wholesalers, such as TUI
and Thomas Cook for Phu Quoc island,
as well as Vietnam receiving international
recognition, including being ranked as
one of the world’s top 10 fastest-growing
Jeff Redl
Managing director, Diethelm Vietnam
Many German-speaking clients purchase
a round trip through Vietnam followed by a
several-day beach stay. As Phu Quoc island
is now easily reachable, offers wide choice
of accommodation and great weather almost
all year, it’s becoming first choice for such an
extension. (Plus) now e-bikes are available in
Vietnam, less able cyclists have the confi-
dence to enjoy trails they may have consid-
ered too tough.
Trung Tran
German market business development
manager, Asia DMC
More international connections have opened up for Phu Quoc
tourist destinations by the UNWTO.
Jeff Redl, managing director of
Diethelm Vietnam, said Vietnam remains
a “trendy” destination with the German-
speaking market. He predicts political
issues in the Middle East and Myanmar,
coupled with Vietnam’s two-year exten-
sion on visa-free entry for several Euro-
pean countries including Germany, and
heavy investment in infrastructure span-
ning hotels, highways, several airports and
ports, will encourage further growth.
He added: “There’s a huge investment
emphasis on Vietnam’s coastline. Danang,
Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and Phu Quoc are
expected to see a surge in new develop-
ment projects over the next one to two
years, which will add to its appeal.”
Katie Jones, Minor Hotels’ spokesper-
son for Vietnam, noted that while the
German-speaking market remains steady
in terms of arrivals, the number of hotel
room nights – particularly at Anantara
Hoi An – increased in 2018 compared
with the previous year.
Said Jones: “The infrastructure of the
country is growing at such a fast rate,
which can only benefit the European mar-
ket as there are more and more reasons
and attractions to visit the country.”
Increased air connectivity is expected
to drive the market forward this year, with
Vietnam has numerous landscapes, natural
wonders and World Heritage Sites, while
(history and culture also serve as big draws),
making it one of the top South-east Asian
destinations for German travellers. These
values match well with German travellers
who look for adventure before the rest of the
world taps in.
the launch of Qatar Airways to Danang at
end-2018 playing a pivotal role.
Jones said: “(This) has opened up Da-
nang and Hoi An to even more to Euro-
pean guests, making connections easier
and quicker. Many Asian airlines fly into
Danang, but Qatar Airways is the first in-
ternational airline linking more longhaul
European destinations into Vietnam.”
The launch of new domestic airline
Bamboo Airways in 1Q2018 is another
boon for Vietnam’s tourism. On top of
connecting key domestic cities, it could
open up a new destination to travellers
from its base in Quy Nhon on the south-
ern central coast.
What’s new
InterContinental Long Beach Phu Quoc
The five-star resort situated on the island’s
long beach features 459 rooms, suites and
villas, as well as six F&B outlets. An on-site
spa offers a range of treatments, with activi-
ties including yoga, pilates and water sports.
Indoor event venues include the Grand and
Junior ballrooms, meeting rooms and board
rooms. The hotel also boasts the island’s only
theatre for up to 130 delegates, suitable for
concerts, film screenings and more.
Sheraton Grand Danang Resort
This five-star, 258-room beachside property
is situated on the white sands of Danang
city’s Non Nuoc Beach. Set on seven hect-
ares of landscaped tropical grounds, the re-
sort is 20 minutes from Da Nang International
Airport and Hoi An. Its six F&B outlets take in
a range of cuisines, while flexible spaces for
meetings and events span 3,300m 2 .
Angelina Restaurant and Lounge
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s new bar-
lounge-restaurant Angelina is a two-storey
space that boasts an eight-metre-high floor-
to-ceiling bar and seats up to 120 guests. A
whisky lounge sits on the ground floor, while
the second floor is an intimate dining area. A
new chef, Aurélien Houguet, is now heading
up the kitchen, which serves lunch and din-
ner, and bar snacks after 22.00.
SpiceRoads Cycling
SpiceRoads Cycling has introduced e-bikes
to its Vietnam programmes, which will enable
cyclists with more varied experiences and
fitness levels to enjoy biking trips in the coun-
try. The e-bikes can be hired per tour as an
alternative to mountain, road or carbon bikes.
Vietnam tours feature special bikes that use
“pedal assist” technology to engage the
bike’s motor once the rider begins to pedal.
From left: SpiceRoads Cycling; Angelina Restaurant and Lounge
Boutique cruise in Cat Ba Archipelago
The Lux Group has launched Vietnam’s
first boutique cruise through the Cat Ba
Archipelago in the Gulf of Tonkin. Amenities
include a luxury spa, film under the stars,
indoor and outdoor lounges, what’s said to
be Vietnam’s first floating infinity swimming
pool, a pool bar and 20 suites offering
river and ocean views. The three-deck ship
also offers two restaurants and private
cabanas, the Bach Thai Buoi Library, the
White Lotus Spa, a fitness centre and
games room, as well as an art gallery and
auction centre.