Once war-torn Vietnam is being help up as a model destination for traveller safety.
John Gardner, Caravelle Hotel general manager in Ho Chi Minh City, said he thought Vietnam was finally beginning to rival traditional regional heavyweights, such as Thailand and Indonesia, in the eyes of travellers..
“Thailand is beginning to recover after the recent turmoil,” 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 10 long years ago,” he said.
Vietnam’s National Administration of Tourism has reported a 128% rise in Australian visitor numbers in 2010 — the greatest percentage increase of inbound arrivals from non-Asian countries.
“Australia escaped the worst of the global downturn and its dollar is relatively robust, which means Aussies are traveling as much as they have ever done,” says Kai Speth, general manager of the Metropole Hanoi.
