Hanoi (VNA)𒊎 – Vietnam welcomed over 1.63 million foreign tourists in the first two months of 2016, up16 percent compared to the same period last year, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on February 24.
According to statistic, international arrivals to the country climbed sharply in some markets such as Hong Kong, China and the Republic of Korea (RoK) with 169.9 percent, 48.8 percent, and 31 percent, respectively.
Visitors from Western Europe markets that are eligible for a 15 day visa exemption surged in the reviewed period such as Italy (25.6 percent), the UK (19.6 percent), Spain (17.1 percent) and Germany (14.4 percent).
Likewise, domestic tourism enjoyed a good growth with 14.2 million holiday-makers recorded in the same period and a revenue of 80 trillion VND (3.66 billion USD) , an increase of 19 percent year-on-year.
Notably, tourism in the capital city of Hanoi saw positive signs from January to February with a year-on-year surge of 28 percent in the number of visitors, especially from Thailand, China, RoK and Malaysia.
Director of the municipal Tourism Department Do Dinh Hong said the city aims to attract 22 million arrivals in 2016 , and earn 60 trillion VND (2.72 million USD) from the sector, up 8 percent compared with 2015.
Hong added the city will proactively carry out tourism promotion activities aboard in order to attract more foreign tourists.
Hanoi, together with the Northwest , Central Highlands and South Central regions is selected as the country’s tourism destination 2016 at the Vietnam International Travel Mart 2016 which is scheduled for April this year.-VNA
Foreign arrivals to Vietnam reached more than 6.33 million in the first ten months of this year, a decrease of 4.1 percent year-on-year, announced the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
The number of foreign visitors to Ho Chi Minh City this year is estimated at 4.7 million, fulfilling this year’s target and up 7 percent from 2014, according to the municipal People’s Committee.
The capital city of Hanoi hopes to welcome nearly 21.2 million tourists in 2016, including 3.765 million international visitors, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
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.
Illustrative image (Source :VNA)
