The National Tourism Year 2016 – Phu Quoc – the Mekong Delta, themed “Discovering the Southern Land”, came to an end at a ceremony held in Phu Quoc island district, Kien Giang province on December 25.
Kien Giang (VNA) – TheNational Tourism Year 2016 – Phu Quoc – the Mekong Delta, themed “Discoveringthe Southern Land”, came to an end at a ceremony held in Phu Quoc island district,Kien Giang province on December 25.
During the year hosted by KienGiang, a series of national and global-scale events were held in Mekong Deltacities and provinces and several localities nationwide.
Chairman of Kien Giang provincialPeople’s Committee Pham Vu Hong said as a result of the year, the province hasattracted 15 tourism projects and served over 5.4 million visitors, up 24percent annually.
Of them, over 319,200 areforeigners, a 31.4 percent increase from last year.
Speaking at the event, DeputyPrime Minister Vu Duc Dam hailed the efforts of the tourism sector, localauthorities, mass organisations and local communities in improving tourismenvironment, contributing to the success of the National Tourism Year 2016.
Revenues from tourism activityrose 18.6 percent while the annual number of international tourist arrivals surgedover 26 percent to reach 10 million for the first time ever, he said.
The Deputy PM expressed his hopethat the National Tourism Year 2017, themed “Northwest Colours” and hosted bythe northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, will further propel Vietnam’stourism forward./.
Foreign arrivals to Vietnam have reached over 4 million so far this year, up 20 percent year on year, with an increase being seen in most tourist markets.
The Phu Quoc – Kien Giang Green Tour programme was introduced at a ceremony on the island on August 6 as part of the activities in response to the National Tourism Year 2016 – Phu Quoc – Mekong Delta.
Phu Quoc island district in the southern province of Kien Giang is focusing on improving infrastructure, especially roads, sea ports and airports, to attract more investors.
The northern province of Quang Ninh will host the 2018 National Tourism Year and the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2019, with the events expected to boost local tourism.
The tourism sector will host the 10 millionth foreign visitor to Vietnam at the Phu Quoc international airport in the southern coastal province of Kien Giang on December 25.
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.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
