09:02, 05/02/2015

Chinese tourists returning to Nha Trang

In recent months, Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa has received a number of Chinese tourists. It's a positive sign showing that Chinese tourists are returning to Nha Trang...

In recent months, Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa has received a number of Chinese tourists. It’s a positive sign showing that Chinese tourists are returning to Nha Trang.

 

Statistics from airlines show that, in the first quarter of 2015, there are 18 – 20 flights landing Cam Ranh International Airport each day. Many of them are from China. Specifically, each month, 8 flights of Vietnam Airlines, 5 of Jetstar Pacific and 26 of Vietjet Air arrives Cam Ranh International Airport from 6 cities of  China, namely Beijing, Xianyang, Kunming, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Ningbo. In addition, there are two charter flights of Sichuan Airlines (China) a week from Chengdu to Cam Ranh from January 27. On average, each flight carries about 200 passengers, promising a sharp growth in Chinese tourists to Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa.

 

Chinese tourists at Cam Ranh International Airport
Chinese tourists at Cam Ranh International Airport

 

According to Khanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the number of Chinese visitor to the province in the first four months of 2014 hit 17,161, a 24.8% rise over the same period of 2013. However, after the HD-981 oil rig incident in the mid year, the number of Chinese visitors to Khanh Hoa made a deep fall. Till end 2014, the figure showed recovery signs. And the market of Chinese visitors is forecast to see a high growth in 2015. “The recent growth in Chinese visitors is a good sign. As a professional tourist city, we welcome tourists from all countries”, said an official of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

 

What makes Nha Trang attractive to Chinese tourists? Firstly, natural conditions, climate, environment and tourism infrastructures of the city satisfy them. A tourist from Chengdu, shared, “Nha Trang has a developed sea tourism, warm climate and good services. They’re suitable with my likes”. Another reason is the effects of tourism promotion of Nha Trang in China.  Many workshops, meetings among travel businesses of the two countries  and FAM trips have been organized. As a result, most Chinese big travel firms are selling tours to Nha Trang now.

 

According to tourism makers in Nha Trang, most Chinese tourists are high spenders. They often stay for 3 – 5 days in 4-5 star hotels. Some hotels like Havana, Sheraton, Amiana, etc have a large number of Chinese guests. Chinese tourists often like mud bath, diving and local specialties such as salangane nests, aloe wood and dried seafood.

 

It’s possible to say that the return of Chinese tourists has partly filled the gap left by Russian tourists whose number is dropping. However, Khanh Hoa tourism is independent of any market. The province always tries to expand more markets of tourists.

 

T.T