An open top double-decker bus carries tourists to famous destinations in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Hanoi Tourism Departmenthas reported an increase in the number of tourists visiting local destinations ascompared to the beginning of February.
It said the flow of visitors to tourist sites in the city has reached 50 – 70percent of that in normal time before the outbreak of the acute respiratorydisease caused by coronavirus (COVID-19). The recovery is attributable to drasticepidemic preventive measures taken by the Government and the municipalauthorities as well as the management of tourist destinations.
Popular sites in the city such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, VanMieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), Thang Long imperial citadel, andHanoi Old Quarter are attracting crowds of tourists.
Facing the great impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, the city’s tourism sectorworked with competent authorities, tourism firms and the management of tourism destinationsin the city to discuss measures to prevent the epidemic, minimize losses incase of outbreaks and recover damage after that.
Currently, the sector continues to keep strict control and close watch on thedisease situation, while promoting communication work to raise public awarenessof the epidemic.
According to reports from travel companies, some 15,824 foreign visitorscancelled their trips to Hanoi as of February 12, most of whom are from China(13,587).
Besides, more than 15,000 Vietnamese decided to puttheir outbound tours on ice while nearly 7,890 others shelved their local festivaltours.
The companies also reported 37,745 cancellations of hotel rooms as of February12./.
The number of tourists paying a visit to Ho Chi Minh City during the Lunar New Year (Tet) has suffered a decline of approximately 12 per cent as a result of the ongoing novel coronavirus (nCoV) situation.
The launch of the National Tourism Year 2020, slated for February 22 in the northern province of Ninh Binh, will be postponed to an appropriate time due to concerns about the complicated development of the acute respiratory disease caused by 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV).
Under the impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak, foreign tourist arrivals in Vietnam may fall by 50 – 60 percent during the epidemic period, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
The central province of Quang Tri is striving to attract about 2.3 million visitors in 2020, up 13.6 percent year-on-year, including 188,000 foreigners.
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 open top double-decker bus carries tourists to famous destinations in Hanoi (Photo: VNA) 
