Smooth sailing for waterway tourism: RMIT experts

Tailoring products to travellers’ budgets and bringing international cruise tourists onboard are solutions for Vietnam's waterway tourism, writes Dr Jackie Ong, RMIT senior program manager of the tourism and hospitality management program, and Dr Justin Matthew Pang, RMIT associate program manager of the program.

Short-day and weekend trips to major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang could feature scenic cruises with dining, live music, and cultural performances, together with child-friendly activities and educational content on local history and ecology.

To highlight Vietnam's historical and cultural significance, there could be tours of ancient temples, pagodas, traditional villages, and historical sites along rivers. Alternatively, tours of the vibrant floating markets in the Mekong Delta could offer insights into local commerce, cuisine, and daily life on the water. Promoting eco-tourism, such as bird watching, mangrove forest visits, and national park explorations by boat, would appeal to nature enthusiasts.

There are a variety of options tailored to different audiences.

For adventure seekers, water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and water skiing in scenic locations like Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta are attractive options.

For food-lovers, culinary tours could include gastronomic cruises with Vietnamese cuisine, cooking classes, and food tastings, along with visits to riverside eateries and markets. Floating restaurants could provide unique dining experiences on the water.

Festivals and events, including traditional boat races, lantern festivals, and music performances, could create a festive atmosphere that draws domestic tourists. In addition, themed cruises for holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year holiday) and National Day could add excitement and appeal.

Lastly, wellness cruises focusing on relaxation with spa treatments, yoga sessions, and meditation could cater to those seeking tranquillity and rejuvenation.

Bringing international cruise tourists onboard

According to the World Tourism Organisation, cruise tourism generates 40% more revenue than tourism by air or road. Vietnam should market to more Asian countries such as South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and India for cruise tourism. 70% of international visitors to Vietnam in 2022 came from Asia, and many tourists from those countries are known to be avid cruise travellers.

It is crucial for Vietnam to improve the training of its service staff to better manage operations at ports and on cruise liners. This would range from embarkation, food and beverage management, recreational skills, and room operations.

Persuasive staff might influence passengers to dine in a luxury restaurant on board the ship, instead of eating at the main all-inclusive dining hall which is part of their package. Revenues can also be derived from paid activities, be it on the ship or from land tours.

Vietnam needs to enhance its port facilities, for instance, having proper lounges for guests, as well as docking and disembarkation for passengers. Better offshore activities for passengers are also required when ships dock at ports. It is essential for Vietnam to create more brand value and offer exceptional and memorable experiences to thrive in the luxury cruise tourism arena.