Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East has led to numerous flight delays and cancellations to and from the region, leaving many Vietnamese tourists stranded. In response, Vietnam's tourism industry has swiftly activated its emergency response mechanism, with tourism authorities and travel agencies working together to ensure the safety and legal rights of tourists.
Following the escalation of the conflict, Vietnam's tourism authorities immediately deployed countermeasures. On March 2nd, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism issued Notice No. 400/CDLQGVN-LH, requiring international travel agencies to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East and strictly adhere to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' recommendation to suspend organized tours to dangerous areas. On March 3rd, the Hanoi Tourism Department simultaneously requested relevant units to review tourism plans involving conflict zones to effectively protect tourists' rights. These measures are considered timely and necessary actions to stabilize market confidence and strengthen trust between tourists and partners under the special circumstances.
In recent years, the Middle East has gradually become a popular destination for Vietnamese tourists, but the current military tensions have forced many travel agencies to adjust their itineraries. Vietravel travel agency had three Dubai tour groups (51 people in total) and one Egypt tour group (24 people) unable to return to Vietnam on schedule due to airspace restrictions. The agency quickly coordinated hotel accommodations, ensured catering services, and worked with airlines to optimize travel plans. By the afternoon of March 4th, all stranded tourists had safely arrived in Hanoi.
Onlytour company also had two Dubai tour groups (43 people in total) facing a similar situation. The company immediately worked with local partners to arrange accommodations and meals, coordinated with insurance companies to extend insurance periods, and connected with Emirates Airlines to secure the earliest return flight. Both tour groups successfully returned to Vietnam on March 4th.
Regarding subsequent travel plans, various travel agencies have introduced flexible protection policies: VietFoot Travel offers a full refund policy for tourists who have already booked Middle East tours and wish to postpone or change their itineraries, and has increased insurance coverage; Vietnam Travel has suspended all Middle East tours in March and April. Fan Yingyu, the company's deputy general manager, said that the conflict may lead to a decrease in tourists from the Middle East to Vietnam, but the short-term impact will be limited as the market is still an emerging sector. If the situation remains tense, it may affect international tourists transiting through the Middle East to Vietnam, and rising oil prices will increase operating costs, posing a challenge to the stability of the tourism consumption market.
