FOREIGN travel among Vietnamese have traditionally been reserved for the wealthy, but a growing middle class is bucking that trend, according to local and regional tour operators.
“The living standard in Vietnam is increasing day by day,” said Vu Tuan Tu, leader of marketing and communication for Vietravel, urging outbound operators to shift their attention to the country’s growing middle class.
Hoang Tich Hong Hai, accounts manager for SaigonTourist, agreed: “The main markets have to focus on the average people, not the wealthy ones. The lifestyle (standard) is rising, Vietnamese people want to go outside (the country) to explore.”
Unlike their wealthier counterparts, Vietnam’s middle class tends to stay within Asia, according to Shirline Ng, sales manager at Princess Cruises, because obtaining tourist visas elsewhere can be difficult.
Many countries in North America and Europe grant visas based on one’s income and previous travel record, she explained. “If your passport is totally empty, you can forget about a US (or) Canada visa.”
Meanwhile, similar costs of living make neighbouring nations accessible to Vietnam’s middle class. Sambath Leakhena, sales executive for FCC Hotels in Siem Reap, commented: “They travel to Cambodia and Cambodians are also traveling to Vietnam.”
The Cambodian Ministry of Tourism reported more than 900,000 Vietnamese to Cambodia last year, comprising more than 20 per cent of all foreign visitors to the country.
Reporting by Dave Fox
