Khanh Hoa welcomes 2 millionth foreign visitor in 2017
The central province of Khanh Hoa, on December 23, hosted its 2 millionth international tourist of the year, who landed on a VietJet Air plane from Incheon, the Republic of Korea.
The 2 millionth foreign passenger Kim Sun-won is interviewed by a reporter (Photo: baokhanhhoa.com)
Khanh Hoa (VNA) – The centralprovince of Khanh Hoa, on December 23, hosted its 2 millionth internationaltourist of the year, who landed on a VietJet Air plane from Incheon, theRepublic of Korea.
The lucky passenger was Korean national KimSun-won, who received free accommodation for two nights at the local VinpearlNha Trang Resort and six months of free flights on all routes operated byVietJet Air.
The 1,999,999th and 2,000,001st foreign visitors to KhanhHoa were also from the RoK.
In 2017, the province is estimated towelcome nearly 5.5 million visitors and earned about 17.3 trillion VND (761.2million USD) from tourism activities. The number of foreign arrivals to KhanhHoa has to date surpassed 2 million, up 69 percent from last year.
The province houses 650 lodging facilitieswith close to 27,000 rooms, of which over 14,000 meet 3 – 5 star standards.-VNA
Khanh Hoa is holding several activities to introduce the beauty of its landscapes and people to int'l delegates to the APEC First Senior Officials' Meeting in Nha Trang city from Feb 18 – Mar 3.
Khanh Hoa targets to receive 5.5 million tourist arrivals this year, up 17 percent from 2016, including 1.7 million foreigners, according to a recently-approved action plan of the tourism sector.
The 2017 Nha Trang- Khanh Hoa Sea Festival, themed “Extending the Circle of Friendship”, concluded on June 13 in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa with a special art performance.
The central coastal province of Khanh Hoa welcomed more than 2.6 million tourists in the first half of 2017, up 22 percent from the same period last year.
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.
The 2 millionth foreign passenger Kim Sun-won is interviewed by a reporter (Photo: baokhanhhoa.com) 
