Tourists at a floating fishing farm in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta city of Cần Thơ.VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — With the third outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic under control, the demand for domestic tours during the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday is expected to rise in the next few weeks, according to travel agencies.

The country will enjoy a seven-day Tết holiday starting from February 10.

Hundreds of domestic and overseas tours during Tết are usually introduced at this time of year, said Lại Minh Duy, general director of TST Tourist.

Due to the pandemic, travel agencies are now focusing on only domestic tours for the Tết holiday and are taking preventive measures to ensure the health and safety of travellers, Duy said.

The company is offering 25 tour products for Tết, with tours by air accounting for 40 per cent. Early-bird bookings will receive discounts and gifts.

“High quality tours with thrilling dining experiences, high-end hotels and safe destinations are highlights of tour products this year,” he added.   

Đoàn Thị Thanh Trà, marketing director at Saigontourist, said the company received many bookings for tours to Phú Quốc Island, Đà Lạt city, and destinations in the central region during the holiday.

The number of bookings are expected to rise in the next few weeks if there are no further outbreaks caused by community infections.

The company began selling tours for Tết in early October.

Nguyễn Nguyệt Vân Khanh, marketing deputy director at Vietravel, said around 500-600 customers were buying tours each day.

The company expects to serve 35,000 domestic guests during the holiday, an increase of 135 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Trần Thị Bảo Thu, marketing and communication director at Fiditour - Vietluxtour, said domestic tours are major products for Tết this year, and tours are designed depending mostly based on the safety of the destination.

As the pandemic has affected customers’ confidence and travel demand, tours for Tết this year will not be as busy as in previous years, Thu said. —VNS