Vietnam's Reunification Day Holiday Sees Low Hotel Occupancy Rates Due to Expensive Airfares

Hotels across Vietnam are reporting occupancy rates of only 20-50% during the Reunification Day holidays, a significant drop from expectations. The low turnout is being attributed to expensive airfares that have deterred many potential travelers from visiting popular destinations during the holiday period.

Return flights from Hanoi to Phu Quoc Island are currently priced at around VND5.3 million (approximately $227), a cost that has proven prohibitive for many Vietnamese tourists. Accommodations in other popular destinations like Ha Long Bay and Hanoi have reached about 70% capacity, but this still falls short of the typical holiday rush.

Why this matters: The low occupancy rates during a major national holiday emphasize the significant impact that high travel costs can have on Vietnam's domestic tourism industry. As the country continues to recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, affordable travel options will be essential in encouraging Vietnamese citizens to explore their own country and support local businesses.

According to Nguyen Van Tuan, general director of a major Vietnamese travel company, "The high cost of air travel has forced many people to reconsider their holiday plans. We've seen a significant drop in bookings compared to previous years, and it's clear that the expensive airfares are the main reason."

Reunification Day Tourism Downturn: The Reunification Day holiday, which commemorates the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of the country, is typically a busy time for domestic travel. However, this year's low occupancy rates serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Vietnam's tourism industry as it navigates the post-pandemic landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Hotel occupancy rates in Vietnam only 20-50% during Reunification Day holidays.
• High airfares, up to VND5.3 million, deter many Vietnamese from traveling.
• Other popular destinations like Ha Long Bay and Hanoi reach 70% capacity.
• Affordable travel options essential for Vietnam's post-pandemic tourism recovery.
• Low occupancy rates during major holiday highlight challenges facing tourism industry.