Considerable increase in foreign arrivals to Hanoi
More than one million international visitors have entered Hanoi from the outset of 2016, a 25 percent surge year-on-year, and the strongest growth recorded by the tourism sector in recent years.
Hanoi (VNA)ꦚ – More than one million international visitors have entered Hanoi from the outset of 2016, a 25 percent surge year-on-year, and the strongest growth recorded by the tourism sector in recent years, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
Over 5.6 million visits were made to Hanoi by both international and domestic travellers, rising 10 percent from the same period in 2015. The city raked in 16 trillion VND from tourism services, up 13 percent against the same time last year.
Along with upgrades made to tourism infrastructure, the city has paid attention to improving tourism product quality while spicing up its allure with a line-up of tourism products. Those include Ba Vi eco-tourism, Duong Lam ancient village community tourism, spiritual tourism at Giong festival, high-tech agricultural tourism and craft village tourism.
Attracting investments for the tourism sector is also among the city’s top priority. The city is calling on strategic investors to develop tourism in areas around the West Lake and the Hong River as well as build a specialised tourism site in outlying Dong Anh district.
In a bid to elevate Hanoi’s image in the eyes of international friends, the city has renovated methods to popularise and promote tourism in key markets like China, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the US.
Hanoi was listed by the Lonely Planet – the world’s popular travel guide book publisher – in the Top 10 best-value destinations for 2016. The city was also named among the top 5 best cities for low-budget vacations in 2015 by DrPrem, a renowned travel and tourism website.-VNA
Vietnam hopes to welcome 8.5 million foreign visitors and 60 million domestic travellers in 2016, earning a total of 370 trillion VND (16.8 billion USD) in revenue.
The tourism sector will continue with extensive promotional activities to increase the number of foreign travellers to Vietnam, with focus on new and potential markets.
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.
Foreign travellers on a Hanoi street (Photo: VNA)
