Children on a sightseeing tour at the Sài Gòn Zoo and Botanical Garden in HCM City. VNS Photo

HCM CITY — HCM City travel firms have announced a number of domestic tours for Tết (Lunar New Year) with huge discounts and promotions.

This year demand is lower than at the same time last year since customers are reconsidering plans to travel, Trần Thanh Vũ, general director of Vinagroup Travel, told Người Lao Động (The Labourer) newspaper.

Phạm Quý Huy, director of Kiwi Travel, said in past years outbound tours were usually sold a few months prior to Tết followed by domestic tours.

Due to the pandemic, this year only domestic tours were being sold, he said.

Many travel agencies began selling them a month ago, with most tours being to destinations in the north since people from HCM City prefer to travel to the north to enjoy the cold weather during Tết, he said.

The pandemic had affected travel demand and people are reluctant to book tours due to worries about a possible COVID-19 outbreak, he added.  

Võ Thị Ngọc Thúy, deputy director of the city Department of Tourism, said travel agencies were making efforts to diversify travel products and arrange tailor-made tours for various types of travellers to boost demand.

The pandemic was under control and demand for domestic tours during the Tết was rebounding, indicating public confidence, she added.

Trần Đoàn Thế Duy, general director of Vietravel, said there were changes in traveller behaviour as the result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to a company survey, travellers pay close attention to the quality of travel products and services, preventive measures to ensure their health and safety and the company’s reputation.  

Free tours for disadvantaged children

The department on December 26 launched a free city sightseeing tours for disadvantaged children and poor people.

Some 5,000 orphans, children with disabilities and disadvantaged people will visit popular attractions such as the Sài Gòn Zoo and Botanical Garden, Đầm Sen Park, Củ Chi Tunnels, HCM City Museum, and Cần Giờ Monkey Island.

The tours, designed separately for kids and adults, will be run until February 5.  —VNS