The recently-issued strategy for Vietnam’s tourism development to 2030 is expected to be a driving force for the industry in weathering the storm posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Cong Thuong (Industry & Trade) newspaper.
A beach on Con Dao island, a tourist magnet in Vietnam (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The recently-issuedstrategy for Vietnam’s tourism development to 2030 is expected to be a driving forcefor the industry in weathering the storm posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, accordingto the Cong Thuong (Industry & Trade) newspaper.
Approved by Prime Minister NguyenXuan Phuc, the strategy aims to develop tourism into a spearhead economic sectorwith sustainable development that creates momentum for other sectors.
Under the strategy, Vietnam isto become one of the top 30 countries in terms of tourism competitiveness by 2030.It hopes to attract at least 50 million foreign visitors and 160 million domestictravelers each year, earn 3.1-3.2 trillion VND (130-135 billion USD) in revenue,and post annual tourism growth of 11-12 percent over the next decade.
The global COVID-19 pandemic hastaken a toll on multiple sectors, with tourism among the hardest-hit.
Some experts, however, believethe new strategy, which features clear targets and support policies, will be a drivingforce and provide the opportunity for Vietnam’s tourism industry to overcome theimpacts of the outbreak.
The Cong Thuong newspaper saidthe directions towards tourism growth set out in the strategy match the currenttrend of sustainable development, as it specifies synchronous and drastic solutions,including improving awareness among people and businesses about ensuring visitorshave a good impression of the country, developing tourism infrastructure and humanresources, diversifying markets and products, boosting tourism promotions, and buildingbrands.
Such solutions also focus on creatingan optimal business environment, assisting small and medium-sized enterprises andhouseholds providing tourism services to acquire digital skills and access to financialsources, facilitating visa granting, developing large-scale and world-standard tourismcomplexes, and helping people engage in community-based tourism.
Foreign arrivalsto Vietnam plunged 63.8 percent in March against February and 68.1 percent year-on-year.The first quarter total stood at around 3.7 million, down 18.1 percent from thesame period last year, according to the General Statistics Office.
Meanwhile,the World Tourism Organisation has projected that the number of foreign touristsglobally will fall by 1-3 percent this year rather than grow 3-4 percent as forecastin January just prior to the outbreak./.
Vietnam welcomed nearly 3.7 million international tourists in the first three months of 2020, down 18.1 percent from the same period last year, according to the General Statistics Office.
With over two thousand cultural and historical relics spread, the northern province of Bac Giang is focusing on investing and promoting the value of these relics sites so that they can be used to look develop spiritual tourism, targeting turning tourism into an important economic sector for the locality.
The HCM City Department of Tourism has estimated that the city’s tourism industry suffered losses worth close to 10 trillion VND (426.2 million USD) in the first quarter of this year due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a gloomy picture being painted of Vietnam’s tourism industry in the first quarter of the year, as it triggered an 18.1 percent decline in foreign arrivals and made it particularly difficult for the country to achieve this year’s targets.
The Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre has approved the establishment of the Cho Lach Cultural and Tourism Village in 2020-2021 as a driving force to develop the tourism industry.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
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.
A beach on Con Dao island, a tourist magnet in Vietnam (Photo: VNA) 
