The Ho Chi Minh City Golf Tourism Festival teed off earlier this week at Tan Son Nhat golf course to promote Vietnam’s potential in the domestic and global markets.
Golfers play at the Tan Son Nhat golf course, where the HCM City Golf Tourism Festival opened on March 29. (Photo: VNS/VNA)
HCM City (VNS/VNA) - The Ho Chi Minh City GolfTourism Festival teed off earlier this week at Tan Son Nhat golf course topromote Vietnam’s potential in the domestic and global markets.
The three-day event organised by the city’s Department of Tourismand the Vietnam Golf Tourism Association features an exhibition ongolf tourism products and services and a conference on promoting and trainingfor golf tourism.
The Golf Club Championship held along with the festival beganon March 29 with nearly 1,000 players taking part.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Directorof the Tourism Department, said the event was the first step in the developmentof golf tourism.
Last month, the city had launched a golf-related tourismproduct as part of efforts to diversify and improve the competitiveness ofits tourism industry.
Trinh Thanh, General Secretary of the Vietnam Golf TourismAssociation, said Vietnam has huge potential to develop golf tourism, which hasbeen identified as a major product.
The weather in Vietnam is conducive to playing golf almost allyear round, he said.
Many people travel to Vietnam from Europe, Japan and the Republic ofKorea to play when the weather in their countries is unfavorable for outdoorsports, he said.
The cost of playing in Vietnam is cheaper than in other countriesand people are satisfied with the beautiful golf courses it offers along itscoastline and abutting luxury resorts.
Golf holiday packages and tours offer travellers the best coursesalong with exploration of the country’s beauty, culture and history and atpromotional costs, he added.
Around 100,000 Vietnamese and foreigners living in Vietnam playthe sport, according to the Vietnam Golf Tourism Association.
There are 100 golf courses in the country, including 32 on the seathat meet international standards.
Vietnam was named the World’s Best Golf Destination in 2019 and2021 in the World Golf Awards, surpassing many others such as the US, NewZealand, China, Thailand, and the Republic of Korea./.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and the Vietnam Golf Tourism Association on February 28 jointly launched a golf tour service to promote the new product in the city.
The Government’s proposal to loosen the visa policy to foreigners is expected to untangle a knot in the tourism sector, facilitating international arrivals and enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese tourism, according to insiders.
A golden tourism route connecting six destinations of Vietnam and China was launched on March 28, expected to help the two countries enhance cross-border tourism links.
The Tourism Association of Binh Dinh province signed a cooperation agreement with its counterparts of eight localities in the coastal northern and north central regions on March 29 in efforts to establish Binh Dinh as a leading destination in Vietnam and the region.
More than 50 golfers from Vietnam and some guests from Japan participated in the Sakura Championship 2023 held by Yo Group of Vietnam in Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture on March 31.
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.
Golfers play at the Tan Son Nhat golf course, where the HCM City Golf Tourism Festival opened on March 29. (Photo: VNS/VNA) 
