International tourist arrivals to Vietnam rebound in July
The number of international tourists to Vietnam bounced back in July with 593,566 arrivals, up 12.1 percent over the previous month and 5.1 percent against the same period last year.
International tourists in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)
The number of international tourists to Vietnam bounced back in July with 593,566 arrivals, up 12.1 percent over the previous month and 5.1 percent against the same period last year.
During the first seven months of 2015, Vietnam welcomed nearly 4.4 million overseas visitors, a yearly decline of 9.4 percent, according to the General Statistics Office.
Growing markets included the Republic of Korea, Finland, Singapore, Spain, Italy, the US, Taiwan (China), Germany, Japan and the Netherlands.
From January-July, the tourism sector served 43.1 million domestic vacationers and raked in over 214.37 trillion VND (10.1 billion USD) in revenue, a year-on-year rise of 1.5 percent.
Currently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism are working with localities to implement the Government’s resolution on five-year visa exemptions for Belarus and one-year exemptions for five Western European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
The two agencies have also coordinated with the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines to conduct tourism promotion programmes.
The tourism sector plans to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnamese Embassies and Trade Offices in the six countries to popularise Vietnam’s visa exemption policy.
At the same time, Vietnam is expected to partake in a number of international tourism fairs in Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Spain.
A promotion programme for tourists from the five Western European countries has been launched with high-quality products at competitive prices, including a 20-30 percent discount for local products, and a tour to three Indochinese countries – Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and another visiting Thailand, Myanmar and Singapore.
With this programme, the tourism sector hopes to record a 10 percent growth in the number of holidaymakers in the first half of 2016 and 20 percent in the remaining months of next year.
It also expects to greet 1.1 million tourists from the five Western European countries between 2016 and 2018, up 50 percent against 2015.-VNA
An estimated 617,895 international arrivals was recorded in Vietnam in March, down 10.4 percent from February and 12.9 percent from the same period last year, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).
Cooperation between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Transport has contributed to the development of Vietnamese tourism, a minister said.
The capital city’s tourism sector has launched a number of promotion programmes to attract tourists from Belarus and five Western European countries – Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Spain.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
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.