RoK tops markets of foreign tourists to Thua Thien-Hue
The central province of Thua Thien-Hue welcomed 1.73 million visitors in the first four months of 2019, including 847,700 foreigners, up 11 percent from the same period last year.
Visitors at the Hue Imperial Citadel (Dai Noi) (Photo: VNA)
Thua Thien-Hue (VNA) - ♚The central province of Thua Thien-Hue welcomed 1.73 million visitors in the first four months of 2019, including 847,700 foreigners, up 11 percent from the same period last year.
Visitors from the Republic of Korea (RoK) accounted for 29.3 percent of the total number, making it the largest source of tourists to Thua Thien-Hue province. It was followed by France, the US, the UK and Thailand.
In the January-April period, Thua Thien-Hue raked in more than 1.51 trillion VND (65.19 million USD) from tourism services. ღ Notably, as many as 58,500 foreign tourists travelled to the province by sea, representing a year-on-year rise of 33.2 percent.
During the 2019 Hue Traditional Craft Festival, which lasted from April 26 to May 2 and coincided with the Liberation Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1) holidays, tourist arrivals to Hue rose 23 percent year on year to more than 550,000, including 81,000 foreigners. The average occupancy rate at local hotels exceeded 75 percent before and after the holidays. In particular, from April 27-30, the occupancy rate at 3-5 star hotels reached 100 percent. As the peak time of the holiday season is coming, local tourism authorities are working with University of Foreign Languages – Hue University to organise Korean language classes and tourism skills for more than 52 pedicab drivers in the province.-VNA
Kwang Han, mayor of Namyangju city, the Republic of Korea, was conferred an honorary citizenship of Hue by the city’s authorities at a ceremony held in the central province of Thua Thien – Hue on April 27.
An exhibition on imperial workshops under the Nguyen Dynasty is underway in the former imperial city of Hue, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue as part of the Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2019.
Ceremonies were held on late April 29 within the ongoing Hue Traditional Craft Festival to commemorate patrons of all crafts, and honour artisans and craft villages.
Up to 400,000 people visited the eighth Hue Traditional Craft Festival in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue from April 27-May 1, showing a 2.3-fold rise over the previous edition in 2017, according to the organisers.
A festival that runs from April 26 to May 2 in Thua Thien-Hue province has honoured the essence of Vietnam’s craft villages and contributed to preserving and promoting traditional values.
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.
Visitors at the Hue Imperial Citadel (Dai Noi) (Photo: VNA) 
