To stimulate domestic tourism, carriers and travel agencies have been co-operating to offer discounts of up to 49 per cent.

But the programme has not been as successful as expected since domestic tours remain much more expensive than tours to Southeast Asia.

According to Vietravel, Hanoitourist, and Saigontourist, only one domestic tour by flight is booked every week compared to three to Bangkok.

Travel agencies said hotel rooms and airfares are the two most important factors in determining tour prices. But persuading hotels to lower tariffs is very difficult.

Following Vietnam Airlines, other carriers like VietJet Air, Air Mekong, and Jestar Pacific have also responded to the stimulus programme. Sixteen tour operators are committed to the programme and promise to offer customers better choices. — VNS