As Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) further ease COVID-19 border entry regulations for foreigners, Vietnamese businesses are confident in the growth of tourism.
The Republic of Korea is a popular destination among travellers after the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo nld.com.vn)
HCM City (VNS/VNA) – As Japan and the Republic of Korea(RoK) further ease COVID-19 border entry regulations for foreigners, Vietnamesebusinesses are confident in the growth of tourism.
According to the Japan Tourism Promotion Agency (JNTO), Japan has been ready towelcome international visitors since last week.
On October 11, the first tour to Japan, operated by BenThanhTourist, departed from Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo after a two-year hiatus due tothe COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the RoK has officially announced the removal of aCOVID-19 post-entry PCR test from the beginning of October.
With this new policy, visitors to the RoK only need to fill intheir personal information on the Q-code website and later receive the Q-codefor immigration procedures.
Nguyen Minh Man, Director of the Communications and Marketing Department ofTSTtourist Company, said that recent tours to the RoK, with increasinglyfavourable entry policies, have received positive feedback from tourists.
Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, Director of the Marketing Department of VietravelTourism Company, said that as soon as official announcements were rolled out,the company immediately worked with the General Department of Tourism andairlines to offer the most affordable tours to the two key markets of Japan andTaiwan (China).
“At the moment, tours to Japan are priced from 24 million VND (992.9 USD) perperson and those to Taiwan from 11 million VND per person. Vietnamese touristswho are uncertain of visa procedures to the RoK will be taken care of by thecompany’s consultants,” Khanh added.
At Saigontourist Travel Service Company, tours to the RoK, Japan and Taiwanhave been carefully prepared, with seats being sold until the end of December.
The company has also collaborated with service providers in localities anddifferent airlines to build a specific departure schedule for the Lunar NewYear, said Doan Thi Thanh Tra, Director of the Marketing and CommunicationsDepartment of Saigontourist.
Fiditour Travel Company - Vietluxtour is also preparing for the re-opening offoreign tour markets, especially the Northeast Asian market.
Tran Thi Bao Thu, Communications Director of Fiditour Travel - Vietluxtour,said that the company has re-opened tours departing in November to Japan and theRoK and is ready to open tours to Taiwan as soon as possible.
Control of the COVID-19 pandemic, together with loosened visapolicies and regulations for international visitors will greatly contribute tothe recovery of foreign tourism.
It is crucial for travel companies to create attractive promotionswith better pricing policies considering that Northeast Asian tourism willrecover quickly and tourism demand will spike up especially at the beginning of2023 with cherry blossom season, Thu said./.
The tourism sector of Ho Chi Minh City needs to focus on developing river-based tourism, cuisine tourism, MICE tourism as well as organise festivals and nighttime activities, a municipal leader has said.
Ho Chi Minh City authorities are focusing on efforts to develop historic and cultural heritage attractions and tourism products and services at night to boost the tourism industry and exploit the night economy, city leaders said.
The 2022 Vietnam Tourism and Culture Festival is taking place in Seoul and Gwangju in the Republic of Korea (RoK) from October 13-19 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.
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.