Visitors in the southern province of Tay Ninh. (Photo: VOV)

In recent years, travel agents have increased “Free & Easy” tours, which are packages offering just the essential services – air tickets, accommodation, and airport transfers. The packages give tourists the freedom to choose the attractions they want to visit instead of being subjected to a schedule set by the tour operator and policed by a tour guide.

Thi Quoc Duy, head of the Center for Individual Client Services of BenThanh Tourist, said that his company’ ‘Free & Easy’ tours are open.

“For example, after customers book air tickets and hotels, we can suggest a number of attractions for themto visit. It’s more convenient for tourists to book transport and accommodation this way, because they just need to contact us and everything is all set,” said Duy.

Travel agents have increased the sales of essential services for clients rather than full packages. (Photo: VOV)

Hoang Thuy Linh, Saigontourist’s Deputy Director in charge of Marketing and Communications, said the company has worked with airlines and accommodation providers to obtain the lowest prices for Free & Easy travelers.

“We help them design tours based on the departure time, destinations, and services they require. As a leading tourism company, the prices we offer for such tailored tours will be cheaper than the same services purchased directly by the tourists,” said Linh.

In addition to pricing advantages, tour operators like Ben Thanh Tourist and Saigontourist can help clients reschedule, change, or refund their tickets in case of unforeseen developments, such as an epidemic.

Travel agencies have improved their service quality by designing new, unique tour packages and training more professional tour guides.

Nguyen Tran Hoang Phuong, Chairman of Golden Smile Travel, said, “Once we catch up with the trends, the tourism sector will grow.I think they should prepare human resources, infrastructure, and promotions to win the customers’ trust.”