Aussie tourists to Vietnam doubles

Vietnam is fast becoming a popular Australian tourist destination with a reported 128 percent increase in Australian visitor numbers for 2010.
According to a report released by Vietnam’s top hotels and the country’s tourism authority, safety and affordability has Aussies choosing to travel to Vietnam over traditional Asia-Pacific destinations like Indonesia, Bali, Fiji and Thailand.
“Thailand is beginning to recover after the recent turmoil,” Caravelle General Manager John Gardner said.
“But throughout that stumble, and troubles elsewhere, Vietnam has sharpened its profile as the region’s most safe and secure destination.
“Safety and security is far more top of mind for travellers today than it was ten long years ago.”
According to the report Caravelle Hotel located in Ho Chi Minh City reported the number of visitors from Australia doubled this year while Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi said Australian guests increased by 48 percent.
Coastal resort Nam Hai also witnessed an increase in Australian visitors, reporting a 69 percent rise for the first eight months of the year.
Exotissimo Travel Australasian Sales Manager Damien Van Eyk said there are a number of reasons for the growing interest in Vietnam but Australian tourists are particularly drawn to the country because of its proximity.
“I also think that word of mouth is a very important factor,” Mr Eyk said.
“As more Australians experience the sights, sounds and cuisine of Vietnam, they come home and share these experiences with their family and friends.”