Football tournaments are not merely a contest of athletic prowess, they also serve as a powerful catalyst for tourism. Beyond its impact on Vietnamese football, the ASEAN Cup 2024 victory showcased the nation’s unwavering spirit of unity. The tournament also generated significant tourism revenue, particularly during the two-legged final.
Viet Tri Stadium: A Tourism Hotspot
The first leg, held at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam, transformed the locale into a bustling tourism hub. Many visitors came to watch the Vietnamese national team play at home, helping the local economy grow. Data from the Viet Tri City People’s Committee revealed a significant surge in hotel occupancy rates, reaching 70-90% during the tournament.
Several hotels, including prominent names like Saigon – Phu Tho, Muong Thanh, SOJO, and Viet Tri Garden, reported near-full occupancy. SOJO Hotel Viet Tri, in particular, went the extra mile to cater to football enthusiasts. Recognizing the importance of communal viewing experiences, they transformed their lobby into a dedicated fan zone where guests could gather to cheer on their team, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement.
This surge in tourism not only filled hotel rooms but also revitalized local businesses. Restaurants, cafes, and transportation services experienced increased demand, generating revenue and creating employment opportunities for residents. The tournament also served as a catalyst for infrastructure development, as authorities sought to enhance the city’s capacity to host large-scale events and accommodate a growing number of visitors.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, the ASEAN Cup 2024 played a crucial role in promoting Phu Tho as an attractive tourist destination. The spotlight shone on Viet Tri Stadium and the surrounding areas showcased the region’s potential to a wider audience, both domestically and internationally.
This exposure encouraged further investment in tourism infrastructure and diversified offerings, helping Phu Tho move beyond its reliance on seasonal tourism associated with the annual Hung Kings Temple Festival.
Vietnamese fans flock to Thailand for final match
After Vietnam’s 2-1 victory in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 final, Vietnamese fans rushed to book tours and flights to Thailand to witness the second leg. Worried about securing match tickets, many people opted for all-inclusive tours offered by travel agencies.
Despite the high cost of travel and accommodation, they were not afraid to spend money to hunt for tickets to Thailand to cheer for the Vietnam team.
Vietravel reported strong sales for their charter flights and travel packages, which included match tickets, fan gear, and sightseeing tours. These packages, priced between 13 and 17 million VND per person, were 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than typical Thailand tours.
Airlines also experienced a surge in bookings for flights between January 3rd and 6th. Economy and even business class seats were filling up quickly, and airfares skyrocketed. One-way flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok cost between 4.3 and 8 million VND, while flights from Hanoi ranged from 3.5 to 8.8 million VND. On the afternoon of January 2nd, many economy class tickets were sold out, and even business class tickets recorded a faster increase in bookings than usual.
All 47,000 tickets for the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 final between Vietnam and Thailand sold out by noon on January 3rd, two days before the match at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
Fueled by the passionate support of their fans and driven by their fierce competitive spirit, Vietnam secured their third ASEAN Cup title with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Thailand in the second leg of the 2024 final, winning 5-3 on aggregate.
Vietnamese fans flood streets – “Di Bao” culture: A Unique Attraction
After the Vietnamese national team defeated Thailand 5-3 on aggregate to claim the ASEAN Cup 2024 championship, people across the country took to the streets in celebration.
The vibrant tradition of Vietnamese fans “di bao” after victories has become a cultural hallmark, captivating the attention of international tourists. This unique spectacle creates unforgettable memories and reinforces Vietnam’s image as a welcoming and enthusiastic nation.
The ASEAN Cup 2024 has undeniably demonstrated the profound impact of football on tourism. From stimulating local economies to enhancing national image, football serves as a source of passion and entertainment, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s tourism triumphs.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 