Improved quality of services, products needed to lure foreign tourists: Official
The tourism sector should pay special heed to improving the quality of tourism products, infrastructure facilities and human resources, and utilities provided for foreign tourists in order to increase its competitiveness and attract more foreign visitors in the post-COVID-19 pandemic, General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Trung Khanh has said.
Hanoi (VNA) – The tourism sector should pay special heed to improving thequality of tourism products, infrastructure facilities and human resources, andutilities provided for foreign tourists in order to increase its competitivenessand attract more foreign visitors in the post-COVID-19 pandemic, General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Trung Khanh has said.
While informingthe preparations for reopening tourism activities in the new normal on February21, Khanh revealed that the tourism sector has set a target of serving 65 millionvisitors, including 5 million foreigners, and earning 440 trillion VND (nearly 19.3billion USD) in 2022, thereby regaining strong growthmomentum after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sector has continued to implement the second phase of apilot programme to welcome international arrivals back and prepare necessaryconditions to fully open tourism activities from March 15, 2022, he said.
To open up tourismactivities in a safe and effective manner in accordance with the Government’sdirections, the sector needs to promote advertising and promotion programmes viadigital platforms and e-marketing, in order to help foreigners know more about Vietnam'stourism reopening policy, Khanh said.
Attention should also be paid to ensuring safety and security, and regulationson environmental protection and pandemic prevention in tourism activities, he noted.
TheMinistry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will continue to work with relevant ministriesand sectors to quickly build specific instructions before March 15, thus creating favourable conditions for localities and businesses to resume tourism activities, Khanh said.
The tourism industry should targets tourism markets where regulations on quarantine after foreigntrips are not too strict and those that have moved to re-open their doors to foreign tourists, he said,adding that it is also necessary to create favourable conditions for Vietnamesepeople to travel abroad.
He suggested localities issue policies to support travel firms in developing newtourism products, and prepare all necessary conditions to resume tourism activities from March 15, 2022.
TheVNAT will continue to make proposals on extending support policies in terms of finance andcredit for businesses and employees operating in the industry, he affirmed.
Accordingto head of the VNAT's Travel Department Nguyen Quy Phuong,the tourism sector is planning to welcome foreign travellers entering the country by air, road and sea nationwide from March 15.
Regarding the visa issue, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, andrelevant ministries and sectors are proposing the Government to allow theapplication of visa policies for tourists like the time prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, including issuance of e-visas, and unilateral and bilateral visa exemptions, Phuong said./.
Along with the policy of safe and effective control of the pandemic, Việt Nam's tourism sector continues to prepare solutions to recover and adapt to the new normal.
To meet tourists’ demands and needs in 2022, many new breakthrough products will be on offer when borders reopen, according to the director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism Dang Huong Giang.
Tourist arrivals to the Mekong Delta was on a surge during the first days of the Tiger Year, signalling a good start for the region’s tourism industry heavily hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism businesses and authorities in Khanh Hoa province are swiftly making infrastructure and personnel preparations to welcome international tourists back as Vietnam is set to completely reopen to foreign travellers from March 15.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) has proposed to let foreign visitors test for COVID-19 using rapid antigen test kits and those who have negative testing results travel freely when they are in Vietnam, as the country plans to welcome foreign tourists back from March 15.
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.
Foreign tourists in Hoi An city (Photo: VNA) 
