Tourists at the One-pillar Pagoda in Hanoi (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) ꦑ– Hanoi plans to receive approximate 21.2 million tourists in 2016, up 6.95 percent from last year.
The figure includes 3.8 million foreigners and 17.4 million domestic tourists. Together, they are expected to generate more than 60 trillion VND (2.68 billion USD) for the municipal tourism sector, up 8.11 percent against last year.
To realise the targets, the city will boost tourism promotions and connection at home and abroad, with a focus on key markets such as France, the UK, Germany, the US, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Indonesia.
The sector will participate in the 15th annual meeting of the Council for Promoting Tourism in Asia (CPTA) and the Tourism Promotion Organization for Asia Pacific Cities (TPO), while promoting bilateral cooperation programmes with CPTA member cities and organising travel fairs in foreign countries.
Hanoi came fourth on the list of the world’s top 25 travel destinations in the 2015 Travellers’ Choice Awards named by prestigious travel website TripAdvisor.
Lonely Planet, the world’s most popular travel guide, has listed the capital city and Ho Chi Minh City in the top 10 best-value destinations for 2016.
Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City came second in the list as they were said to be in “that most magical of price brackets” for budget travellers. Foreign visitors only need around 20 USD per day for food, lodging and sightseeing in the two cities.
Vietnam’s two metropolises were also named among the top 5 best cities for low budget vacations in 2015 earlier this year by DrPrem, a renowned travel and tourism website.
The rankings were based on average daily expenditure on food, accommodation and transportation.-VNA
Hanoi will focus on fully tapping its resources to further promote local tourism with a view to making it a spearhead sector, said Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen The Thao.
Travel was made easier for domestic and foreign visitors, as 500 high-quality tours and a thousand flights are being offered at special prices during tourism promotion days in Hanoi on November 7-8.
Nearly three million foreign visitors have arrived in Hanoi from the outset of 2015, rising 14 percent from the same period last year, Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Do Dinh Hong 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.