The ninth national tourism art photo competition, themed “Explore Vietnam”, was launched by the Tourism Magazine of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) in Hanoi on January 8.
First-prize photo at the eighth competition (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The ninth national tourism artphoto competition, themed “Explore Vietnam”, was launched by the TourismMagazine of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) in Hanoi onJanuary 8.
Speaking at the ceremony, VNAT Deputy General Director NgoHoai Chung wished that the contest would receive quality entries to introduceVietnamese people, destinations, culture and food to international friends.
Entries should be submitted to the organising board fromJanuary to June 5, 2020.
The awards ceremony and photo exhibition will be held on theoccasion of the 60th anniversary of Vietnam’s tourism sector (July9) at the Vietnam Military History Museum.
The organising board will present one first, two second,three third and five consolation prizes, and honour the most liked and mostshared photo on the magazine’s fanpage //www.facebook.com/VietnamTourismReview.
According to Chung, Vietnam welcomed over 18 million foreigntourists in 2019, up 16.2 percent annually, 85 million domestic visitors, andearned 726 trillion VND (31.5 billion USD) from tourism.
For the first time, Vietnam’s tourism surpassed Indonesia,ranking fourth in Southeast Asia in terms of tourist arrivals.
The sector targets welcoming 20.5 million foreign and 90million domestic visitors in 2020, and raking in 830 trillion VND./.
A group of 11 international bloggers from England, Germany, France and Italy, as well as Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and Taiwan have arrived in Vietnam to promote the country’s tourism.
Young people in Vietnam have demonstrated their devotion to sustainable tourism as the Viet Youth on Sustainable Tourism (VYST) project kicked off in Hanoi on March 22.
Secretary of the Party Committee of Hanoi Hoang Trung Hai has asked the city’s tourism sector to invest further in the development of tourism products and infrastructure in order to promote the city’s image and attract more tourists.
Tourism promotion will be better as stakeholders sit together and discuss mechanisms as well as how to do well and each shareholder of the ‘game’ will perform well its work," said an official.
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.
First-prize photo at the eighth competition (Photo: VNA) 
