Foreign travel operators laud Vietnam’s visa exemptions
Travel operators attending the recently-concluded International Trade Show for Asian Travel Market (ITB Asia) hailed Vietnam’s 15-day visa exemption for tourists.
Travel operators attending the recently-concluded International Trade Show for Asian Travel Market (ITB Asia) hailed Vietnam’s 15-day visa exemption for tourists from Italy, Spain, the UK, France, Germany and Belarus.
On the sidelines of the ITB Asia, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) convened a press conference to introduce the latest tourism incentives, including the visa exemption for several nations, improved aviation connectivity and new products to popularise Vietnam to the world.
Business and Marketing Director of Buffalo Tours Sarah Griffin said it is good news for the expatriate community living in Southeast Asia, and hoped that the Americans would benefit from the policy soon.
VNAT Deputy Director Ngo Hoai Chung said tourist arrivals in Vietnam rebounded in the third quarter following the visa waivers.
In the first haft of the year, the number of foreign tourists to the country decreased 12 percent, compared to last year. But in July, August and September, the number of foreign arrivals increased.
In September, international visitors to the country reached 626,000, an 8.3 percent increase over last year.
From now until the end of this year, Vietnam will try its best to promote its tourism marketing campaign and hold tourism fairs abroad to welcome at least the same number of tourists as last year – 7.8 million.-VNA
The number of international tourists to Vietnam bounced back in July with 593,566 arrivals, up 12.1 percent over the previous month and 5.1 percent against the same period last year.
The Government Office has announced Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam’s intention to rectify difficulties facing tourists applying for Vietnamese visa extensions.
Vietnamese expatriates, their spouses and children are able to enter Vietnam without visas as stipulated in a decree recently issued by the government.
The new regulations on visa exemption for overseas Vietnamese aim to create more favourable conditions for overseas Vietnamese to return to the home land, said Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Hong Nam.
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.
A Vietnamese stall at ITB Asia (Source: VNA)
