Vietnam’s downturn-hit tourism industry recorded a plunge of 11 percent in foreign visitors to 3.8 million this year but local operators said chances of rebounding are in sight.

The year 2009 has been a sluggish year for tourism industry worldwide as foreign travelers were forced to delay or cancel their travel plans to cope with the global economic downturn.

The continuous spread of swine flu is also considered a serious threat to tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region, including Vietnam, where 52 deaths caused by the pandemic have been recorded.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association estimated tourist destinations in the Asia Pacific Region suffered from an average decline of five percent in tourist arrivals this year, Thoi Bao Kinh Te Sai Gon Online (The Saigon Economics Times Online) reported.

The double-digit fall in international arrivals to Vietnam caused the country to lose about 450,000 foreign visitors compared to last year, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

But the decline was offset by an increase of 19 percent in domestic travelers thanks to lower tour prices enabled by the national tourism stimulus program “Impressive Vietnam.”

Launched in January this year, the program offers discounts of up to 50 percent on package tours, accommodation and other tourism services until December 31 this year.

It allowed the sector to receive 25 million domestic holidaymakers and earn VND68 to VND70 trillion (US$3.68 - $3.79 billion) in total revenue this year, up 6.5 to nine percent from 2008.

Local inbound tour operators said they had seen signs of recovery in international arrivals next year but only hoped to receive the same number of guests as that of last year.

“We have seen signs of rebounding from some foreign markets, such as France, the U.K. and Italy, in the upcoming travel season,” Bui Viet Thuy Tien, managing director of travel firm Asian Trails Co., Ltd said.

“There are some good signs in the tourism market but we think the tourism industry would not enjoy any growth in 2010 as the number of foreign visitors to Vietnam this year has declined a lot from 2008.”

VNAT forecast Vietnam would welcome 4.5 to 4.6 million foreign tourists next year, up 18 to 21 percent from 2009 and higher than the figure 4.25 million of last year.

It also expected to receive 28 million Vietnamese travelers next year, up 12 percent from 2009.

Youth Newspaper