Over 1.5 million foreign tourists visit Vietnam in January
Vietnam welcomed over 1.5 million foreign tourist arrivals in January, up 10.3% month-on-month, and 73.6% year-on-year, the General Statistics Office announced on January 29.
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam welcomed over 1.5 million foreign touristarrivals in January, up 10.3% month-on-month, and 73.6% year-on-year, theGeneral Statistics Office announced on January 29.
Of the total, nearly 1.3 million, or 85.1%,traveled to Vietnam by air, 11.7% on road, and 3.2% by sea.
In the month, revenue from accommodation and catering services was estimated at 58.9 trillion VND (2.4 billion USD), up 10.2% overthe same period last year, while travel and tourism revenue at 4.4trillion VND, an increase of 18.5%.
The office attributed the increases to thecountry’s efforts to promote tourism, and affirm itself as a safe and friendlydestination.
Vietnam had 25 destinations andestablishments named in different categories of the ASEAN Tourism Awards at aceremony held as part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024 in Laos on January26.
They were honoured for six categories,namely ASEAN Green Hotel, ASEAN Clean Tourist City, ASEAN MICE Venue Award forMeeting Room, ASEAN MICE Venue Award for Exhibition Venue, ASEAN MICE VenueAward for Event Venue, and ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award for GastronomyTourism theme./.
The search volume for Vietnam's tourism via Google's market trend tracking tool grew 75% in 2023, ranking 6th in the world, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).
Vietnam's tourism industry has set a target to welcome 17-18 million foreign visitors in 2024, approaching the pre-pandemic record in 2019 when COVID-19 had yet to disrupt global travel.
The Vietnam National Tourism Authority (VNAT) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on January 26 launched a video clip entitled "Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa: Touching your heart!" as part of the activities to promote the south-central province’s tourism within the VNAT’s tourism communications programme on digital platforms.
Vietnam had 25 destinations and establishments named in different categories of the ASEAN Tourism Awards at a ceremony held as part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024 in Laos on January 26.
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.
In Hoi An ancient town (Photo: VNA) 
