Foreign tourists at the Temper of Literature (Source: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) - Vietnam’s tourism sector should take measures to ensure its human resources are prepared for the formation of the ASEAN Community that allows ♔the free flow of labourers in the hospitality industry, an official said.
Tran Phu Cuong from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) said the tourism labour force needs to equip themselves with expertise, foreign language skills and other soft skills in order to compete with skilled and qualified workers from ASEAN member nations.
Domestic tourism training institutions should focus on enhancing the capacity of teaching staff while improving their curricula in order to meet the requirements of the Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs).
Additionally, they should also review their teaching methods and strengthen international cooperation to ensure more relevant and effective training
According to Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Head of VNAT, roughly 600 vocational training teachers, including hospitality teaching staff, have been sent to Australia for training.
Dr Nguyen Duc Tri from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics said the institution has fostered cooperation with universities from the Netherlands, France and Switzerland to learn from their training experience and improve the quality of teaching.
It has also applied a hands-on and internship training method to ensure more relevant training services.
The tourism sector has been developing a set of Vietnam Tourism Occupational Standards (VTOS) to ensure Vietnamese labourers are qualified to be employed by enterprises from ASEAN or even Europe.
According to Tran Hung Viet, General Director of Saigontourist, the VTOS has created opportunities for Vietnamese labourers to enter the international labour market.
Numerous Vietnamese labourers have worked as receptionists and in customer services at high end cruise ships and hotels run by international enterprises, Viet said.
However, the average quality of domestic tourism workforce remains low, with just 57 percent able to use foreign languages.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Once formed, the ASEAN Community will create a market of more than 600 million people with a combined GDP of more than 2 trillion USD.-VNA
Vietnamese travel agencies are actively making preparations as they anticipate both opportunities and challenges in a more competitive environment when the ASEAN Community is established.
Vietnam is introducing its tourism products at the 36 th World Travel Market (WTM), an annual event for the global travel industry, in London, the UK, through a string of activities.
Incentives and overseas tourism promotion campaigns have proved effective as seen in the growing number of foreign visitors to Vietnam recently, industry insiders 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.