Russia becomes potential market for Vietnam's tourism
Russia in recent years is always among the fastest growing markets of Vietnam tourism, according to tourism experts.
Figures released by the General Statistics Office (GSO) showed that 12,500 Russian tourists came to Vietnam in 2004, an increase of 42% over 2003. The number increased sharply to 23,800 in 2005, an increase of 94% over 2004. In the first 8 months this year, the country welcomed nearly 19,000 Russian tourists, an increase of 22% over the same period last year.
Major travel agencies such as Saigontourist and Ben Thanh Tourist said that the number of Russian tourists, though still lagging behind that of visitors from China, the US and Japan, has been increasing steadily and rapidly.
Russian tourists also spend more than other international travellers in Vietnam, with an average of US $1,458, including US $610 for self-spending, 40% higher than the average spending level of tourists from other countries, according to the GSO's survey.
Timoshina Taman, Director of the Russia Extreme Programme, noted that Russians are attracted by Vietnam's tropical climate and beaches. She said that modern resorts along Vietnam's central coast can meet all needs of Russian tourists.
According to a survey by Saigontourist, most Russian tourists favour long vacation with their family in high-grade resorts in the central and southern coastal areas such as Da Nang, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne and Phu Quoc.
In addition, the age-old relation between the former Soviet Union and the current Russia Federation with Vietnam is also an important factor that makes Vietnam appealing to Russian as many Russian people, particularly the old, have good sentiment towards Vietnam and its people. In addition, a great number of Vietnamese nationals are working and studying in Russia, helping promoting Vietnam tourism there.
According to Russian travel companies, Vietnam's reputation of safety and attractiveness in the international travel market is also an important reason for Russian tourists to choose Vietnam for their vacation, especially in the context of complicated developments in some Asian countries.
Besides, a number of Vietnamese and international airlines have set up direct or indirect services linking Vietnam with Russian cities, facilitating travelling between the two countries.
Vietnam News Agency - September 15, 2006.
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