Vietnam feels cold shoulder of football fever

The World Cup football tournament has had a definite impact on tourism in Vietnam so far this summer.

The numbers of tourists, both domestic and foreign, choosing to take trips in and around Vietnam has shown a decline of between 20 and 40 per cent on last years figures, according to news site Vietnam net.

Huynh Nam Chien, deputy director of the Ha Noi Torseco Travel Centre reported that bookings for both foreign and domestic tours have fallen by 20 to 30 per cent from 2005, with marine tours out of Hanoi being particularly badly hit.

The number of foreign visitors entering Vietnam also appears to have been affected by World Cup fever with numbers down 15 to 20 per cent for the same period last year.

Phung Van Khai, director of New Ways Tourism Company, said: "The decrease is caused by World Cup football matches, followed by a majority of Vietnamese people not travelling now."

Many travel agents in Vietnam are reportedly focusing on marketing, offering special travel deals, with some even incorporating World Cup matches in tour itineraries.

The World Cup quarter final matches so far confirmed will see England play Portugal on July 1st and Germany take on Argentina on June 30th.

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