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| Taiwanese (Chinese) tourists arrive in Hue via direct flight to Phu Bai International Airport |
Flights throughout the year
Since the opening of Phu Bai International Terminal T2 on April 28, 2023, Thua Thien Hue has successfully maintained charter flights from Kunming (Yunnan, China), Seoul (South Korea), and Taipei (Taiwan), among which, there are about 10 flights from Taiwan (China).
In positive news, from these charter flights, local authorities and the tourism sector have collaborated closely with partners from Taiwan to develop a regular flight route. It is expected that from September 1st, there will be four flights each month from Taiwan (China) to Thua Thien Hue. According to Mr. Truong Thanh Minh, Director of the Tourism Information and Promotion Center, these flights will operate on Friday nights throughout the year, for a total of 48 flights. Taiwanese partners are implementing measures to ensure that these flights occur as planned, bringing 22,600 visitors to Hue annually.
Conversely, efforts will also be made to attract Hue visitors to Taiwan (China). These year-round flights are expected to create a strong boost to “open the skies,” further developing this route and other international ones.
According to the Department of Tourism’s representative, the province's orientation - which has been implemented very drastically in recent times, is to continue cooperating with domestic and international airlines to develop flight routes and attract visitors from various countries to Hue, Vietnam's Ancient Capital. The tourism sector aims to strongly attract international tourists via direct flights. Charter flights are just the starting task, with the ultimate goal of establishing commercial flights; then, maintaining and developing regular flights to and from Phu Bai international airport.
Maintaining regular and periodic flights from Taiwan (China) to Thua Thien Hue will present many opportunities for Hue tourism. Upon arrival at Phu Bai International Airport, visitors will stay in Hue and explore local attractions. Taiwanese visitors, known for their willingness to spend, will offer benefits and opportunities for the development of the Ancient Capital's tourism, if tourism businesses and tourism professionals know how to exploit and provide services that meet the visitors’ requirements.
Maintain the market and attract visitors
Recent statistics on the number of visitors to Hue show that Taiwan (China) consistently ranks among the top 10 markets for visitors to Hue. Developing a regular flight route will significantly increase opportunities for Hue tourism from this tourist market.
Taiwanese visitors are not hesitant to spend, creating multiple prospects for Hue tourism. However, their generosity requires services to meet their expectations. Taiwanese tourists, like Japanese tourists, value cultural experiences and high-quality tourism products, demonstrating a strong need for service quality. This presents a problem to Hue's tourism industry, enterprises, and experts.
It can be said that the upcoming 48 flights from Taiwan (China) in the coming year represent both an opportunity and a big challenge for Hue tourism to expand into the promising Taiwanese touristmarket. In addition to developing traditional tours, there is a need to research, invest and innovate, as well as enhance the attractiveness of tourism products and routes for this tourist market.
It is anticipated that visitors on flights from Taiwan (China) to Hue will stay for one day and one night, exploring and experienceing various attractions. To lengthen their stay and improve their experience, the tourist industry and travel agents must put forth strategies to raise the destination's appeal, as well as fair promotional policies. On the other hand, visitors will combine travel to Hue - Da Nang - Quang Nam. With the current robust regional connectivity, the parties will coordinate to exploit this market, aiming for long-term and mutual benefits.
Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Tourism, noted that Taiwanese visitors are often interested in heritage experiences, cultural performances, and cuisine. Building on these local strengths, the tourism industry and businesses will enhance experiential activities and coordinate with organizers to host festivals that attract tourists. Moreover, when information about Hue Festival or other events is available, promotional efforts will be intensified early on to help travel agencies plan suitable tours to introduce to tourists.