A street in Hanoi capital during the social distancing period (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Tourism companies witnessed revenues dwindling in the second quarter due toborder closures and international flight bans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thenumber of international visitors to Vietnam has significantly reduced sinceMarch, nearly two months after the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 appearedin Vietnam. The number slumped by 99.3 percent in June compared to the sameperiod last year.
Manytourism companies on the stock market recorded second-quarter revenues falling70-80 percent year-on-year, resulting in a sharp decline in profits or hugelosses such as Sheraton Danang, Vietravel and Dam Sen Water Park Corporation.
The Dam Sen Water Park (DSN)reported a loss of 4.3 billion VND in thesecond quarter. It enjoyed a profit of 42 billion VND in the same quarter last year.
Inthe first six months of this year, the company recorded a profit of a mere100 million VND.
Vietravel(VTR) reported revenue of 206 billion VND and a loss of 38 billion VND in Q2. In the first half, the companyearned 996 billion VND inrevenue, down 72 percent year-on-year and suffered a loss of more than 76billion VND.
Thecompany is among the largest travel companies in the country with revenuecoming mainly from international tours.
Thisyear, the company forecast revenue to fall nearly 60 percent compared to theprevious year. It expects a loss of about 22 billion VND, after consecutive years enjoying profits.
BenThanhTourist Service Corporation (BTV) also suffered a loss of more than 7billion VND in Q2.
Itrecorded a 60 percent decrease in revenue and a loss of more than 15 billion VND in the first six months.
Hoi An Tourist Service Joint Stock Company(HOT) reported a loss of 8.4 billion VND in the second quarter. The Board ofDirectors forecasts the company may suffer a loss of more than 6 billion VND in the third quarter.
As thetourism market has not yet recovered, the company temporarily approved athird-quarter earning plan with total revenue of 8.7 billion VND anda loss of nearly 6.2 billion VND.
In the lastthree months, COVID-19 had been effectively contained in the country,bringing hopes for the tourism industry. Many businesses have launchedpromotion packages to stimulate domestic customers.
However, theresurgence of the virus in Da Nangtwo weeks ago and its complicated developments are expected to continue puttingpressure on the industry in the future./.
With drastic, creative, flexible and timely directions of the Government and the Prime Minister, the engagement of the whole political system and business community, and the strong support from people, Vietnam has obtained important results in performing the dual tasks of fighting COVID-19 and boosting socio-economic development.
Young Vietnamese at home and abroad are striving to contribute to the country’s fight against COVID-19 in their own way, believing that everyone has a role to play for the sake of their homeland.
Indonesia recorded 160,280 foreign tourist arrivals in June, down 2.06 percent from the previous month and representing a drop of 88.82 percent as compared to the same month last year, according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS).
As many as 207 hotels with nearly 23,250 beds in 25 cities and provinces across the country have registered to provide paid quarantine services by July 30, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
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.
A street in Hanoi capital during the social distancing period (Photo: VNA) 
