Bourdain's enthusiasm for a destination defines the tone of an episode, and this is one in which clearly all involved were more than happy to be there.
Vietnam needs more than larger festivals to improve tourism; it must scrap single-entry visa fees, control price spikes, and promote internationally to keep up with its neighbors’ booming travel industries.
Tourism, although often the cause of development, is also an important leverage used by Vietnamese conservationists in favor of sustainability over rapid industrialization.
Any extra profit that the state would garner from increased visa fees would be counteracted by the drop in inbound visitors from key tourism providers nearby Vietnam.
Asian travelers are seeking out the luxury brands they recognize in all aspects of travel, and the hotel industry offers an exceptional opportunity to expand a brand and connect with consumers.
In the case of Vietnamese budget airlines, quantity outweighs quality. Despite JetStar’s five-year headstart, its recent focus on fleet renewal slowed operations as VietJet surged ahead with plans to expand routes.
This move is positioned as an attempt to protect tourists from agressive vendors, but it's just as much an effort to protect a unique fishing village from the dangers of tourism.
As tourism continues to grow in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is just one of several nations looking for untapped tourism markets to increase awareness of its travel opportunites and generate greater revenue.