The 2016 National Tourism Year was launched in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang on February 22 under the theme: “Discovering the Southern Land”.
A parade to celebrate the 2016 National Tourism Year in Ha Tien town, Kien Giang province (Photo: VNA)
Kien Giang (VNA)🦩 – The 2016 National Tourism Year was launched in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang on February 22 under the theme: “Discovering the Southern Land”.
On the occasion, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism granted a certificate recognising the U Minh Thuong National Park in Kien Giang province as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site).
The U Minh Thuong National Park is the 2,228th Ramsar Site in the world and the eighth of its kind in Vietnam, and holds significant biological, cultural and historical value.
This also creates a good chance for Kien Giang province to develop eco-tourism and preserve valuable flora and fauna.
A ceremony was held the same day to celebrate the 280 th anniversary of Chieu Anh Cac Literary Coterie.
The annual festival aims to introduce the tradition, culture and people of Ha Tien town, which is considered a cradle of literature in the southern part of Vietnam.
It also includes various art and poetry activities, music performances and flower shows.
With 12 provinces and one centrally run city, the Mekong Delta is the country’s biggest producer of rice and fruit.
Kien Giang is home to many popular tourist sites such as the U Minh Thuong National Park, the Giant Buddha Pagoda and Phu Quoc Island.
The 2016 National Tourism Year is expected to help the country promote tourism products among international friends, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Huynh Vinh Ai said, adding that in 2015 Vietnam welcomed around 8 million international tourists and 57 million domestic travellers to gross 330 trillion VND (14.85 billion USD) in revenue.
The 2017 National Tourism Year will be hosted by the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai.-VNA
A total of 65 programmes and events will be held throughout the National Tourism Year 2016 titled “Exploring the southern land”, the organising board said a news conference in Hanoi on November 16.
Vibrant activities and significant events scheduled during the 2016 National Tourism Year will be introduced through the website //namdulichquocgia2016.vn.
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.
A parade to celebrate the 2016 National Tourism Year in Ha Tien town, Kien Giang province (Photo: VNA)
