Hanoi (VNA) - Amid rising airfares, many travelers are shifting to train to travel in the coming National Day holiday, according to Bui Thanh Tu - Marketing Director of BestPrice Travel Company.
Trains offer travelers a relaxing experience as they can enjoy stunning scenery throughout their journey, Tu said.
Therefore, instead of opting for expensive air travel, many tourists choose this unique experience with notable routes such as Da Nang - Hue, Da Nang - Quy Nhon, and Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang, the official said, adding that this is an ideal choice for those who want to explore natural beauty and enjoy a relaxing journey.
Reports show that there has been a noticeable shift in travel preferences based on the pocket and demand of travelers, particularly as domestic airfare prices remain high.
About a week before this year's National Day holiday, which will last from August 31 to September 3, airfares increased by around 20% compared to normal days.
According to Nguyen Van Hieu, General Director of Vitamin Tours, high airfares have significantly affected the demand for air travel among the tourists.
Groups of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourists, and travelers tend to choose nearby destinations and travel by road.
Domestic travelers are still focusing on sea destinations such as Ha Long, Sam Son, Hai Tien, and Cat Ba in the northern region, and Vung Tau and Ho Tram in the southern region. Mountain tours to escape the hot weather, such as Moc Chau, Sa Pa, and Ha Giang, are also chosen by travelers. The number of holiday-makers has also increased significantly compared to last year due to the long holiday period.
Tu said that rising domestic airfare prices have also led many travelers to change their plans from domestic travel to outbound tours.
With comparable costs, travelers are increasingly opting for international tours, particularly to Asian countries, which offer appealing experiences. Vietnamese tourists are interested in destinations in Thailand, China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, with an average spending of around 7 - 25 million VND (282- 1,007 USD) per person./.
