APEC 2017 offers opportunities for Vietnam to promote tourism
Vietnam has promptly seized every opportunity to promote tourism as the country is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Year 2017, said an official.
Delegates at the APEC High Level Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Tourism (Photo: VNA)
Quang Ninh (VNA)ไ – Vietnam has promptly seized every opportunity to promotetourism as the country is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) Year 2017, said an official.
Tourism hasbeen considered a key factor in selecting venues and agenda for the APEC Year2017 events, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Huynh Vinh Ai said. The dialogueand the Technical Workshop on Sustainable Tourism organised within theframework of the first APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM 1) in the centralcoastal province of Khanh Hoa in February, are among initiatives put forth byVietnam to contribute to boosting tourism cooperation among APEC membereconomies while responding to the International Year of Sustainable Tourism forDevelopment set by the United Nations, he stressed. Tourismdevelopment will continue to be included in the upcoming APEC events, particularlyin the framework of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, which is scheduled totake place in the central city of Da Nang in November. The ten venuesto host APEC Year 2017 events are those with renowned tourism attractions andcultural values across the nation, including Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, ThuaThien Hue, Quang Nam, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City. The deputyminister noted that during the official APEC 2017 events, Vietnam has introducedthe images of its people, landscapes, cultural values and high-endinfrastructure facilities to participating international delegates. Besides, thetourism sector has also organised numerous activities to boost interactionsbetween APEC delegates and local communities such as free tours to populardestinations, offering souvenirs, photo exhibitions, among others, he added. Vietnam hasregularly and actively participated in mostly all important activities of APECtourism cooperation with APEC member economies. To date, Vietnam has exemptedentry visa for nine member economies and implemented electronic visas for threeother economies, creating favourable conditions for travelers. In 2016, topten source tourism markets of Vietnam are APEC member economies. Vietnamwelcomed a record number of 10 million international visitors in the year,including over 8.1 million foreign tourists, or 81 percent from APECeconomies, including China, Russia, Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea andthe US.-VNA
The Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) High Level Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Tourism opened in Ha Long City, the northern province of Quang Ninh on June 19.
The organisation of the APEC High Level Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Tourism in Ha Long city is an excellent opportunity for Vietnam, and the northeast province of Quang Ninh, to seek and deepen relations with APEC member economies.
Member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) should step up the application of technologies in regional tourism development amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution 4.0 (FIR).
APEC member economies adopted a statement on sustainable tourism development during the APEC High Level Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Tourism held in Quang Ninh on June 19.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Delegates at the APEC High Level Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Tourism (Photo: VNA) 
