Since 1999, when Footprint Vietnam Travel was established by two University friends, the company’s primary markets have been Australians, Americans, and Canadians. Europeans, as well as Southeast Asians also make up large proportions of Footprint guests. Among the Europeans, the Germans, have begun to be one of Footprint’s primary target markets.

Mr. Son, Footprint founder and marketing director, has said that the German clients that have come on Footprint’s tours have enjoyed themselves immensely. His theory on the success has been, in part, Footprint’s programming of a mix of soft-adventure options (cycling and trekking) and culture. “Our guides also play a big part in our service and tour quality. Many of our guides have been with us for a long time and know how to treat each culture the way they want to be treated.”

Nonetheless, Mr. Son attributes the outstanding reviews from the German guests to the Germans themselves! “Actually, the German tourist is the type of traveler that likes to try things. They are inquisitive and like to ask questions. They like to understand what is going, why things are done the way they are, etc., etc. And we, as Vietnamese like that too! We love telling people about out culture!”

Footprint Vietnam Travel has been gearing up for ITB Berlin since the end of Tet celebrations. Besides meeting with new partners, Mr. Son, who will be representing Vietnam and Footprint plans to find time to visit and learn more about Germany and the German culture.

Mr. Son from Footprint invites anyone who wants to learn about Vietnam and Footprint to the Footprint booth at ITB!