Hanoi: First foreign visitors of 2018 receive warm welcome
Lebreton Didier, a passenger on Vietnam Airlines’ flight VN18 which landed at Noi Bai International Airport on the morning of January 1, became the first foreigner setting foot in Hanoi in 2018.
Lebreton Didier, a passenger on Vietnam Airlines’ flight VN18, became the first foreign visitor setting foot in Hanoi in 2018. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Lebreton Didier, a passenger on Vietnam Airlines’flight VN18 which landed at Noi Bai International Airport on the morning of January1, became the first foreign visitor setting foot in Hanoi in 2018.
Didier and his group of 13 other visitors from France were treated to flowersand gifts and a music performance.
The French said that this is the third time he came to Vietnam and he plans tospend almost a month to discover the country’s beauty with his wife, addingthat he was surprised by the warm welcome on the first day of the year.
Present at the greeting ceremony, Tran Duc Hai, Director of the municipalDepartment of Tourism noted that the event aims to promote Hanoi as a safe,friendly, quality and attractive destination for visitors.
Last year, some 5 million foreigners came to the thousand-year-old city ofHanoi.
The northern coastal province of Quang Ninh, home to the World Heritage site ofHa Long Bay, also held a ceremony to greet the year’s first internationaltourists at Tuan Chau International Port in Ha Long city on January 1.
In 2018, the locality expects to welcome 12 million visitors, including 5million foreigners. Last year, nearly 10 million holiday-makers, comprising 4.2million foreigners, chose Quang Ninh province to spend their holidays.
Meanwhile, the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai also enjoyed a good startfor 2018, with renowned Sa Pa town drawing 42,000 visitors during the three-dayNew Year holiday from December 30-January 1.
The crowds of visitors caused traffic jams and overloaded local hotels. Thetown’s nearly 500 accommodation facilities with more than 6,000 rooms werefully booked, but homestays are available at village or tourism site like CatCat and Ta Van.
A slew of cultural and sports activities are being organised in the town on NewYear occasion, including a photo exhibition, a street festival, and traditionalgames like tug of war and stick pushing.-VNA
Hanoi’s Department of Tourism estimated that by the end of 2017, the capital city will have welcomed more than 23.8 million visitors for earnings of roughly 71 trillion VND (3.1 billion USD), an increase of 15 percent from the same period last year.
Ho Chi Minh City's Book Street on Nguyen Van Binh Street in District 1 has attracted 2.4 million visitors this year, earning a turnover of 50 billion VND (2.2 million USD), according to the Vietnam Publishers Association (VNPA).
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.
Lebreton Didier, a passenger on Vietnam Airlines’ flight VN18, became the first foreign visitor setting foot in Hanoi in 2018. (Photo: VNA) 
