Hanoi (VNA) – The number of international tourists visiting the northernborder province of Lao Cai has dropped significantly due to the novelcoronavirus (nCoV).
Accordingto the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the localitywelcomed about 98,000 visitors during the seven-day Lunar New Year (Tet)holiday, a drop of 8.4 percent year-on-year.
Ofthe total, 11,000 were foreigners, down 52.4 percent compared to the sameperiod last year. The number of Chinese holidaymakers stood at only 2,000, downmore than 80 percent year-on-year.
Theprovincial Party Committee, People’s Council and Department of Culture, Sportsand Tourism have been coordinating closely with departments and agencies toprevent the spread of the disease.
Thelocality has also been monitoring the exit and entry of foreigners andVietnamese nationals at international border gates.
Meanwhile,the Mekong Delta province of Ca Mau lured nearly 148,000 tourists during theholiday, including 745 foreigners, who mainly flocked to Dat Mui, Khai Long andHon Da Bac tourism areas, and the site dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh.
Directorof the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tran Hieu Hung saidthe locality will continue to optimise its potential and advantages to developtourism sustainably in 2020./.
Vietnam has set forth specific solutions to cope with the acute respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus (nCoV) and is well controlling it, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on January 30.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on January 29 asked tourism sectors of localities nationwide to pay special heed to well controlling and keeping close watch on the coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
A Vietnamese citizen in China has infected with the novel coronavirus (nCoV), becoming the first Vietnamese national contracted the deadly virus, according to the Embassy of Vietnam in Beijing.
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.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
