National Tourism Year invites visitors to discover southern land
Phu Quoc Island and the Mekong Delta feature heavily in the promotional activites for National Tourism Year 2016, which officially kicked off on April 10 under the theme “Discover the Southern Land”.
A performance at the opening ceremony of the tourism year (Photo: VNA)
Kien Giang (VNA) – Phu Quoc Island and the Mekong Delta feature heavily in the promotional activites for National Tourism Year 2016, which officially kick🍌ed off on April 10 under the theme “Discover the Southern Land”.
This year’s event aims to popularise cultural and natural beauty along with the unique features of Phu Quoc, dubbed the “Pearl Island”, and the Mekong Delta.
The opening ceremony on the island in Kien Giang province was attended by culture and tourism officials from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, along with representatives of international organisations in Vietnam.
In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said tourism had developed over the three decades of “doi moi” (reform) and contributed to the country’s growth, helped boost other sectors and fostered cultural exchange and cooperation with other nations.
The tourism industry in Vietnam has potential due to the diversity of natural landscapes and rich culture in the nation, he said.
Kien Giang and 12 other Mekong Delta localities should develop the marine and island tourism sectors. Phu Quoc Island should become a national and international tourism hub to help drive local development, he added.
A fireworks display wrapped up the opening ceremony of National Tourism Year 2016.-VNA
Vibrant activities and significant events scheduled during the 2016 National Tourism Year will be introduced through the website //namdulichquocgia2016.vn.
Vietnam has become a spotlight in the global tourism map thanks to the country’s extensive and intensive integration in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an official said.
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”.
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 performance at the opening ceremony of the tourism year (Photo: VNA)
