HCMC – Vietnam’s tourism authority has ordered travel firms to suspend tours to conflict-affected areas in the Middle East to ensure traveler safety.
The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) issued a directive to international tour operators, calling for proactive measures in response to instability in Iran, Israel and neighboring areas.
The agency said that ongoing conflicts are significantly affecting travel and movement. Companies must monitor developments closely and follow advisories from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tours to dangerous conflict zones must be suspended. For travelers already in affected areas, firms are required to maintain contact with local partners and Vietnamese diplomatic missions to ensure safety and implement citizen protection measures if necessary.
Operators must also report promptly to VNAT to coordinate responses to emerging situations.
Amid the developments, many Vietnamese travel companies have activated round-the-clock response systems to handle disruptions.
Requests for cancellations and postponements have increased sharply. Some tour groups in the region have delayed their itineraries due to airspace restrictions while staying in contact with their service providers.
Several firms have stopped accepting new bookings to the Middle East and are advising customers to adjust itineraries or switch to alternative destinations.
Companies are also rescheduling flights, retaining deposits and coordinating with partners to minimize losses. In the longer term, some operators are restructuring products to reduce reliance on a single transit hub to limit risk.
