Ninh Binh to continue as host of National Tourism Year in 2021
The northern province of Ninh Binh will continue to be host of National Tourism Year in 2021 after activities within this year’s programme were cancelled due to COVID-19.
An old well in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province (Photo: VNA)
Ninh Binh (VNA) – Thenorthern province of Ninh Binh will continue to be host of National TourismYear in 2021 after activities within this year’s programme were cancelled dueto COVID-19.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam recently agreedwith the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) on assigning Ninh Binh ashost of National Tourism Year 2021.
Deputy Director of the provincial TourismDepartment Bui Van Manh said the 2021 programme will share the same theme as thisyear’s and the department has already begun preparations.
COVID-19 forced Ninh Binh to call off theopening ceremony and all activities within National Tourism Year 2020, themed“Hoa Lu - Millennium-old Ancient Capital”.
As now the coronavirus has been brought undercontrol in Vietnam, to help revive the tourism sector, the People’s Committeeof Ninh Binh proposed in early May that the Prime Minister and MCST allow it tocontinue as host of National Tourism Year 2021.
Some 90km south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh’s many famousdestinations include Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO-recognised heritagesite; Tam Coc, nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on Land”; Cuc Phuong National Park; VanLong Wetlands Nature Reserve; and Phat Diem Stone Cathedral.
It welcomed 7.6 million visitors last year andearned 3.6 trillion VND (156 million USD at current exchange rates) from tourism,up 3 percent and 12 percent year-on-year, respectively./.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism on June 9 kicked off its annual tourism stimulus programme that will run throughout the year as part of its attempt to revive the hard-hit tourism industry.
Authorities in the central province of Quang Binh have approved a plan to cut entrance fees to a series of natural beauty spots in half from now till the end of the year.
Leading business and financial website Bloomberg of the United States has recently published an article highlighting the strong rebound made to the nation’s domestic tourism industry, a model that is suitable for the rest of the world to follow.
Ha Giang, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Ninh Binh, Ha Long, and Quy Nhon of Vietnam have been listed among the 20 best global destinations for backpackers to visit in 2020, according to recent rankings published by Hostelworld.
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.
An old well in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province (Photo: VNA) 
