The people’s movement has increased sharply during the three-day holiday for the Hung Kings’ anniversary and is expected to skyrocket in the upcoming holidays on April 30 (National Reunification Day) and May 1 (May Day).

Over 55,400 visitors came to Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province on the occasion of Hung Kings holiday. Photo: Trung Vu/ The Hanoi Times

Over the last three days, domestic tourist destinations were packed with guests, while Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports operate at full capacity. Travel agencies were also busy handling bookings.

Positive signals

During the Hung Kings holidays, Saigontourist, a tour operator, estimates that they have served more than 8,000 customers. Doan Thi Thanh Tra, Marketing and Communication Director at the company, said this is considered a positive signal and that travel will explode in the upcoming holidays this summer.

"Within the three-day holiday, most tourists booked tours to the top five most trendy destinations including Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Danang, and Ha Giang," she said.

Nguyen Minh Man, Director of Marketing and Communication of TST Tourist Company, said that the number of tourists booking tours on the holidays of April 30 and May 1 has reached 50% of the plan so far, mainly group tours.

According to TST Tourist, the price of tours during the holiday this year surged around 10% due to the increase in related services, however, the tour operator still managed to adjust to a reasonable level to attract customers.

Some travel businesses also forecast that the number of free independent travelers on the upcoming holidays will increase in destinations such as Phu Quoc, Dalat, Phan Thiet, Ho Tram, and Vung Tau.

Forecast for the upcoming holidays

Businesses in the aviation industry forecast that the volume of air passenger at Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Danang, Cam Ranh and Phu Quoc airports will increase remarkably on the occasion of April 30 and May 1.

Noi Bai Airport is expected to handle about 400 flights and more than 75,000 passengers during the upcoming holiday.

Although international flight volume is at a low level with an average of more than 100 flights and 3,600 international arrivals per day, there have been signs of growth since Vietnam reopened its borders and started welcoming international tourists.

Particularly, Phu Quoc Airport is expected to handle 180-190 domestic and international flights per day, equivalent to a passenger throughput of 26,960, up from 58%-68% compared to weekdays.

Bustling shopping in Hanoi

Local visitors enjoy shopping at Aeon Mall Long Bien. Photos: Duy Khanh/ The Hanoi Times

The capital’s consumers are flocking to shopping centers, supermarkets, cinemas and flower gardens in the city these days, causing congestion in many places.

At Aeon Mall Long Bien, hundreds of people queued at the food counters while its parking lots for motorbikes and cars are full.

At Big C Long Bien, the supermarket's representative said that the number of customers on this holiday increased by about 30% compared to the last weekend.

Ready-made meals, beverages, and fruits, beside essential items sell the most, according to the supermarket. The application of many promotions and discounts of up to 40%, for fresh food products, dry goods, and fashion has led to the overcrowding in the supermarket, its  representative added.

Similarly, Co.opmart and Winmart supermarket chains said their discount programs of up to 50% for many items, especially household products and consumer goods, lured a large number of customers on April 10. 

Local residents flock to Yen So Park, Hanoi on the weekend of the holiday.