Typhoon causes cancellation of tours, Hanoi

As reported by domestic travel agents, typhoon Xangsane has caused the cancellation of many tours to the central region of Vietnam. Last Saturday, September 30, a group of 20 customers of Hanoi Tourist who were visiting Hoi An had to go to Hue to shelter as Xangsane was about to arrive in the coastal town. The travel agent said that a group of tourists who had booked to go to the central region decided to change their destinations. Le Hong Thai, representative of Hanoi Tourist, said that all customers have understood the changes in their tour itineraries as the weather has caused problems for the tours to be operated as scheduled. “So far no compensation has been asked for by our customers,” added Thai. Beaches in the central region always attract a lot of tourists and are very important for travel agents in pulling in more customers. However since the typhoon arrived, many tours to the area have been cancelled. Instead, these travel agents have offered their customers tours to discover the northern or southern regions. Hanoi Tourist reported that the typhoon had changed the plan to visit Da Nang and Hoi An of at least 20 groups of tourists, who decided to head for Sapa. Saigontourist, the largest travel agent in Vietnam, has also announced it had temporarily stopped taking tourists to the central region as of October 1 as the typhoon would threaten its customers’ safety. The company said it would not operate its tours to that area for about five days or one week at least. In the south, travel agents are offering more tours to discover the western region of Ho Chi Minh City. Another important thing for these travel agents is to find safe places for their customers who have been visiting the area during the time of the typhoon. Saigontourist said it had found hotels in the central region for its customers to take shelter in. Quang Nam authorities have also reported that since the typhoon arrived, it has taken 438 tourists from Hoi An beach further inland for safety. It is forecast that after the Xangsane has passed, it will take some time for the region to resume its normal tourism services. However, as pointed out by experts, it is currently the low season for tourism, so the effect the typhoon has on the industry will not be excessive.