Seminar looks ways to improve tourism competiveness
Vietnam’s tourism competitiveness is lower than other ASEAN countries, said participants at a seminar focusing on Vietnam’s tourism competitiveness in Ho Chi Minh City on November 30.
HCM City (VNA) – Vietnam’s tourism competitiveness is lower than other ASEANcountries, said participants at a seminar focusing on Vietnam’s tourismcompetitiveness in Ho Chi Minh City on November 30.
According tothe World Economic Forum, Vietnam’s tourism stood at the 75th place out of 141countries in 2015, while the Philippines ranked 74th, Indonesia 50th andSingapore 11th.
Therefore, improving tourism competitiveness is an urgent task, they stressed.
Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Head of the Vietnam Institute for Tourism DepartmentResearch said that Vietnam failed to optimise its advantages such as beautifullandscapes, long-lasting history, rich culture and locals’ hospitability.
Poor transportinfrastructure and lack of preferential policies for tourists are reducingVietnam’s tourism competitiveness.
Nguyen Thi Khanh from the HCM City Tourism Association emphasised the need forthe engagement of all sectors and localities with concrete plans to maketourism a key economic sector.
To raise tourism competitiveness, Nguyen Van Len, Director of the Department ofCulture, Sports and Tourism of An Giang province suggested improving transportand telecommunication infrastructure and facilitating tourists’ activities.-VNA
The northern province of Quang Ninh has long been known as one of the top tourism centres in Vietnam with numerous attractive destinations and diverse tourism products thanks to the province’s effort.
The Mekong Delta province of An Giang boasts attractive tourist destinations, however, it hasn’t fully tapped its advantages. The province aims to turn tourism into its key economic sector.
More than 9 million foreigners visited Vietnam between January and November, up 25.4 percent compared to the same period in 2015, the General Statistics Office (GSO) has revealed.
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.
Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA) 
