HCM CITY — Tourist spots around the country reported brisk business during the three-day holiday (starting April 9) commemorating Hung Kings, the nation’s founders.  

The southern coastal province of Ba Rịa-Vũng Tau received 157,000 visitors, including more than 1,600 foreigners, and earned tourism revenues of VNĐ160 billion (US$6,980) during the three-day holiday, according to the provincial tourism department.

Department director Trịnh Hang said hotel occupancy was more than 80 per cent at tourist destinations such as Vũng Tau City, Xuyen Moc, Con Đảo and Đất Đỏ districts.

The occupancy could rise to 95 per cent during the National Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1) holidays, he added.

Phạm Khắc To, director of the Vũng Tau City Tourist Support Centre, said most beaches in the city were fully packed with tourists, with around 92,000 travelling to Vũng Tau during the holiday.

Beach lifeguards were deployed at all public beaches to ensure the safety of visitors, To said.

The central coastal city of Đa Nẵng welcomed 78,000 tourists, including 38,979 arriving on domestic and international flights, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.

The number of visitors was seven to eight times higher than the New Year holiday.

Room occupancy at four- to five-star hotels in the city reached 50-60 per cent during the holiday with beachside hotels having 70-90 per cent of their rooms booked.

Phu Quốc Island in the southern province of Kien Giang saw a three-fold increase in the number of tourists over the New Year holiday, welcoming 75,000 visitors.

The ever popular Hoi An Town welcomed 10,000 visitors each day during the three-day break.  

Đoan Thị Thanh Tra, marketing and communication director at Saigontourist, said the five tourist destinations favoured the most during this holiday were Phu Quốc, Nha Trang, Quy Nhơn, Đa Nẵng, and Ha Giang.

The company served more than 8,000 customers during the holiday, she said

Nguyễn Minh Mẫn, marketing and communication director at TST tourist, said travel demand was predicted to be even higher for the upcoming national holidays on April 30 and May 1.

Tour bookings have already reached half of the company’s tour plans covering three regions in the country as well as islands, Mẫn said.

The number of independent travellers is expected to rise in destinations near HCM City like Phu Quốc, Đa Lạt, Phan Thiết, Hồ Tram, and Vũng Tau. — VNS