Number of tourists fails to meet expectations during New Year holiday
It is estimated that Vietnam's tourism sector served about 3.2 million tourists during the New Year holidays from December 30, 2023 to January 1, 2024, up 6.6% year on year, but the overall number of visitors fell short of expectations.
At Huu Nghi international border gate in northern Lang Son province. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)ꦿ – It is estimated that Vietnam's tourism sector served about3.2 million tourists during the New Year holidays from December 30, 2023 toJanuary 1, 2024, up 6.6% year on year, but the overall number of visitors fellshort of expectations.
According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism(VNAT) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the average roomoccupancy rate in lodging facilitates reached nearly 50%, with some tourismhubs nationwide reporting even higher rates, at around 70%. The limited duration of the break played a significant role indissuading tourists from opting for leisure travel, as many preferred reunitingwith their families rather than embarking on tourist excursions. This year's travel trend highlights a budget tightening, reducedpurchasing power, and a reduction in expenditures on public transport suchas airplanes and trains while transport service costs hiked during peakdays, said the VNAT, adding that a portion of domestic tourists contributedto a decline in in-country lodgings, as some chose to explore internationaldestinations instead. Foreign visitors were mostly from key markets, including theRepublic of Korea (RoK), China, Japan, the US, Australia, Europe, Thailand andIndia.
Vietnamese tourists opting for outbound tours explored diversedestinations, including China, Taiwan (China), the RoK, Japan, and more. Outboundtours within Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, held acompetitive edge in terms of pricing and attracted considerable attention fromVietnamese travellers.
𓃲 Airlineslike Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines offered over5,300 flights, providing a total of 1.06 million seats. In the railway sector,an additional 30 train services were operated, connecting Hanoi withdestinations like Lao Cai, Hai Phong, Vinh and Dong Hoi.
Looking ahead, the tourism industry aims to welcome 17-18million foreign visitors and cater to 110 million domestic travellers this year, earning a revenue of approximately 840 trillion VND (35 billion USD)./.
About 12.6 million international tourists have visited Vietnam this year, a 3.4-fold rise from 2022, surpassing the target of 8 million set earlier, the General Statistics Office (GSO) reported on December 29.
In the first 11 months of 2023, more than 7.3 million tourists from the Republic of Korea (RoK) visited Vietnam, an increase of 220% compared to the same period last year, according to the RoK’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
The cruise ship Westerdam brought over 2,000 tourists and 781 crew members, mostly from the Netherlands, docked at Tien Sa Port in the central city of Da Nang on January 2.
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.
At Huu Nghi international border gate in northern Lang Son province. (Photo: VNA) 
