Vietjet entices more B-leisure travellers into Vietnam with its expanding flight routes
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When it comes to the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) sector, Singapore and Malaysia are widely regarded as the “MICE tigers” of the Southeast Asian region. Hot on their heels is another rapidly-rising economy in this region, Vietnam, which envisions emerging as a serious threat in the coming years.
According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), MICE tourism brings in up to four or five times more than other types of tourism, because this segment of travellers tend to spend more. This has made MICE a catalyst for development in countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
Vietnam has also cast its eyes on this lucrative pie having played host to many big events such as APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) 2017, ASEAN Summit 2010, and ASEAN Tourism Forum-ATF 2009.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has stated that Vietnam is emerging as a safe destination in the world and an attractive place for foreign investors. The country’s tourism sector is also actively looking into refining their infrastructure and services to improve their ability to host large-scale MICE events.
While the major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh have been the obvious go-to destinations for corporate companies and business travellers to Vietnam in the past, cities in the central region such as Danang, Hoi An and Nha Trang are becoming increasingly affable choices.
In 2016, Vietnamese cities like Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh added to their array of 4 and 5-star international hotels. Nha Trang’s airport was also recently expanded to include more regional and international flights.
“In 2016, Vietnamese cities like Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh added to their array of 4 and 5-star international hotels.”
“Business travellers typically outspend the holiday traveller by four or fivefold. So we see plenty of opportunities in MICE tourism, and with the world economy getting back on its feet, there is a renewed demand for exhibitions, meetings and events. Vietnam has great potential in MICE tourism which we have to actively and strategically explore, in order to entice more international organisations to host their events on our shores,” said Vietjet founder and CEO, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao.
One way to do this, she adds, is to improve accessibility into Vietnam’s major cities apart from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which offer greater unexplored natural beauty and cultural experiences for travellers seeking more authentic experiences in business and leisure (B-leisure).
In hopes to entice more travellers to visit the less-explored cities of Vietnam, Vietjet continues to expand its wings within the country and internationally. The airline currently operates over 350 flights per day connecting passengers to 38 local destinations including Nha Trang, Danang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, among others, as well as 35 international routes including Kuala Lumpur. In the coming months, Vietjet will continue adding new routes to its ever-expanding list of destinations, connecting passengers to even more destinations across the globe.
Its innovative in-flight activities and seamless travel experience has garnered many fans across the region, making Vietjet one of Southeast Asia’s increasingly popular airlines for business and leisure.
There is no denying the vast potential of Vietnam’s MICE industry. The country’s ancient, traditional culture, friendly and hospitable people, safe environment, rich natural resources and beach resorts certainly offer great opportunities for the country to tap into, as it surges ahead to take its place as a favourite MICE destination in this region.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific cities in Vietnam are now becoming more popular for MICE events, beyond the traditional hubs?
Which specific cities in Vietnam are now becoming more popular for MICE events, beyond the traditional hubs?
Cities in the central region like Danang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang are becoming increasingly popular choices. Previously, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh were the primary destinations for corporate travellers.
Q.Why is Vietnam's MICE sector considered to have significant potential compared to other types of tourism?
Why is Vietnam's MICE sector considered to have significant potential compared to other types of tourism?
MICE tourism is seen as a catalyst for development because these travellers tend to spend four or five times more than other tourists. This segment offers greater economic opportunities for the country.
Q.What initiatives are being undertaken by Vietnam's tourism sector to attract more MICE events?
What initiatives are being undertaken by Vietnam's tourism sector to attract more MICE events?
The tourism sector is actively refining its infrastructure and services to improve its ability to host large-scale MICE events. There is also a focus on improving accessibility to less-explored cities.
Q.How is Vietjet contributing to Vietnam's strategy of attracting more B-leisure travellers?
How is Vietjet contributing to Vietnam's strategy of attracting more B-leisure travellers?
Vietjet is expanding its domestic and international flight routes, connecting passengers to many local and international destinations. This improves accessibility, particularly to cities beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
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