Travel companies in HCMC report lower than expected tour bookings ahead of the extended Southern Liberation Day holiday, according to local agencies.

Lua Viet, Fiditourist and VYC among other travel companies said their sales have not hit the numbers that they had predicted weeks ago.

Many factors have contributed, including what is seen as an unreasonable increase in hotel room charges, said travel agencies.

Many hotels at tourist attractions including Nha Trang, Dalat and Phan Thiet have taken the holiday as a chance to double their room charges as tourism boomed on the holiday in previous years.

Also, locals have reconsidered plans due to overcrowding of sites, common on weekend holidays like the April 30^th Liberation Day as many travel companies have grossly exaggerated tour bookings.

Faced with the declining booking numbers, local travel agencies are likely to lose their deposits at hotels if they cannot receive sufficient tour bookings as predicted.

Hotels in the Central Highland city of Dalat announced full occupancy during the holidays three weeks ago but now rooms are available as many tour organizers have canceled their contracts.

Reported by Cam Nhi amp; Lam Vien – Translated by T.H.