Over 4.6 million foreign tourists visit Vietnam in Q1
Vietnam has welcomed over 4.6 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year, up 72% year-on-year, and 3.2% compared to the figure recorded in the same period of 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced on March 29.
In March, nearly 1.6 million international tourists visit Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has welcomed over 4.6 million foreign touristarrivals in the first quarter of this year, up 72% year-on-year, and 3.2%compared to the figure recorded in the same period of 2019 before the COVID-19outbreak, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced on March 29.
The GSO attributed the result to favourablevisa policies, tourism stimulus programmes, and efforts made by localauthorities and the sector.
Among the foreign arrivals, 83.6% have travelledto Vietnam by air, 13.5% by road and 2.9% by sea.
Revenue from accommodation and foodservices in the first quarter is estimated at 174.8 trillion VND (6.98 billionUSD), and from travel and tourism activities at 14.1 trillion VND, up 46.3% year-on-year.
In the period, 1.2 million Vietnamesepeople travelled abroad, a year-on-year rise of 11.5%.
In March alone, nearly 1.6 million internationaltourists have visited Vietnam, leading to a month-on-month increase of 4.4%.
This year, the tourism sector set targetsof serving 18 million foreign tourists and 110 million domestic ones, andearning 850 trillion VND from visitors.
To that end, the Vietnam National Authorityof Tourism said that efforts will be made to carry out promotion activities,diversify products and services, and the tourism sector will coordinate with other sectors such asagriculture and industry to create products that increase the length of visitors' stay in Vietnam and thus spending./.
Foreign arrivals have been on track for full recovery since Vietnam opened its border two years ago on the back of a favourable visa policy, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh said at the National Assembly’s Q&A session on March 18.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China received 132 applications for working visas from Vietnam, Laos, and Nepal as of February 29 after it opened its visa programme for skilled workers from these countries on October 25 last year, according to Chris Tang, secretary for security of the region.
Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang city Le Trung Chinh hosted a reception on March 22 for Jérémy Bacchi, Politburo member of the French Communist Party, Senator for the Bouche de Rhone department and Secretary of its Party Committee, expressing commitment to supporting French firms and ensuring tourist safety.
Hanoi welcomed about 6.54 million tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year, of them some 1.4 million international, representing year-on-year rises of 10.9% and 40%, respectively, the municipal Department of Tourism said.
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 March, nearly 1.6 million international tourists visit Vietnam. (Photo: VNA) 
