European travel agents make fact-finding tour of Hanoi
Hanoi’s Tourism Department, in collaboration with Vietnam Airlines, held a meeting with representatives of 22 travel agencies from 11 European countries on October 10.
Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi’s Tourism Department, in collaboration withVietnam Airlines, held a meeting with representatives of 22 travel agenciesfrom 11 European countries on October 10.
The event was part of the delegation’s fact-finding tour of thecapital city from October 5-10 to intensify cooperation in tourism.
The department’s Director Tran Duc Hai introducedparticipating travel agencies to Hanoi’s tourism potential and advantages,including rich heritage, diverse cuisine and culture, and strengths ineco-tourism.
The city’s tourism has been well-recognised by variousprestigious tourism websites, TV channels, and newspapers. Notably, it isnominated as the world’s leading city destination in 2018 as part of the WorldTravel Awards, together with 16 other candidates.
In the first nine months of this year, Hanoi welcomed 4.28million foreign tourists, including over 754,100 from Europe, up 20 percent and34 percent year-on-year, respectively.
To intensify tourism promotion activities and increase thenumber of European tourists to Hanoi and vice versa, the tourism departmentwill create favourable conditions for European travel agencies, press outletsand tourists when coming to the city, Hai stated.
Madronal Barea Oscar from Spain’s Catai Company hailed thesignificance of the delegation’s trip to Hanoi, hoping that cooperation betweentravel agencies of Europe and Vietnam, especially Hanoi, will be enhanced.
During the trip, the delegation visited the Temple ofLiterature, Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, ThangLong Imperial Citadel and President Ho Chi Minh’s relic site at thePresidential Palace.-VNA
Hanoi is looking to cooperate closely with member cities of the Council for Promoting Tourism in Asia (CPTA) in tourism development, a municipal official said.
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.
An overview of the meeting (Source: VNA) 
