The travel stimulus program has been carried out since last May. Travel firms have sold 15,810 package tours to destinations with discounted airfares of Vietnam Airlines such as Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Dalat, Buon Ma Thuot and others in central Vietnam.

According to travel firms, the program has led to a strong tour price decline thanks to discounts on airfares and travel services. Promotional airfare programs over the past time have helped travel firms sell more tours.

"Amid the economic difficulties and the decline in air travel, the figure of over 15,000 is a good result," said Nguyen The Vinh, deputy director of Saigontourist Travel Service Company.

This year, the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will coordinate with airlines and travel firms to expand the program of stimulating domestic tourism. "We will work with enterprises and tourism management agencies in Danang City, Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Nam provinces to offer more discounts to attract tourists," said Nguyen Viet Anh from the department.

In related news, the number of flights to Phu Quoc of Vietnam Airlines has increased by 30% after the new airport in Phu Quoc went into operation last month, said Nguyen Thi Minh Yen, director of Vietnam Airlines' Southern Regional Office.

Previously, with the old small airport on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam Airlines used ATR72 aircraft having a seating capacity of some 60 passengers on the HCMC-Phu Quoc run. However, with the new airport, Vietnam Airlines has launched daily Hanoi-Phu Quoc flights using A321 aircraft and also used such aircraft for two flights in HCMC-Phu Quoc service.