Tradewinds recently took eight agents on an educational to Hong Kong and Vietnam. The aim was to raise the profile of Hong Kong, since its transfer from British to Chinese rule, and to promote Vietnam. The latter destination was introduced into the Tradewinds programme last year and has already proved popular. We asked three agents for their impressions before and after the trip.
Before: I had never been to Hong Kong or Vietnam before and very rarely sold either destination. I expected Hong Kong to be very crowded but I had heard it was a safe city to walk around in – even at night. I thought of Vietnam as a rather poor country and so I expected the hotels to be relatively basic.
After: Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps. It’s wonderful, and I’ve felt more worried on the streets of Wakefield or Huddersfield than I did walking in Hong Kong at night. Everyone is very friendly, the shopping lives up to all expectations and the hotels are of an excellent standard. In Vietnam the accommodation was far superior than I had ever imagined and the service was really good. I am sure my sales to both destinations will increase – I am really enthusiastic and can’t wait to go back again.
Sandra Murray, Proprietor, Sandy Travel, Normanton, West Yorkshire, Age: 52
Before: I had been to Hong Kong before so I knew what to expect, although I was interested to see if there had been any major changes since the handover to Chinese rule. We were getting a lot of enquiries about Hong Kong and booked a wide range of packages there – both stopovers and longer holidays. I had very little idea what to expect from Vietnam but I felt it might be a useful recommendation for clients who had already been to Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok and wanted to go somewhere different in the Far East.
After: Hong Kong hasn’t changed a bit – the atmosphere is just as I remembered it and the incredible hustle and bustle of the place is just as amazing. The first time you visit Hong Kong it is breathtaking but the second time you are more prepared for it. Vietnam is quite different – very unspoilt. It is uncommercialised and the culture is still very much intact. I am definitely recommending it as a Far East alternative and hope to go again myself before it becomes too overdeveloped.
Vanessa Andreetti, Manager, Marion Owen Travel, Hull, Age: 41
Before: I went to Hong Kong about five years ago and was very impressed. I decided to go again as an increasing number of clients were enquiring about the destination particularly as a stopover for those going on to Australia. We had had a few enquiries about Vietnam but clients needed reassurance about the quality of the accommodation and seemed to feel it was a Third World country that might present problems to a holidaymaker. I felt the trip would help me allay fears and have a better understanding of the destination myself.
After: Hong Kong hasn’t changed – it is still a city which is constantly on the go. I was a little disappointed with Stanley Market where the fashions didn’t seem to have kept up with the times – but elsewhere the shopping bargains were as good as ever. Vietnam is just incredible. The whole place reminded me a bit of India – it’s like going back in time and the sights and sounds are all so different to home. I have no hesitation recommending it. It is a really interesting destination.
Vicky Vickers, Proprietor, Bridge Travel, Barton on Humber, Age: 50