Hanoi (VNA) – A travel programmenamely “Hello World #5” is being held from September 3 to 10 to bring Vietnam’simage closer to international friends.
About 20 foreign guests around the world,including travel bloggers, photographers and book authors, have been invited toexplore Vietnamese attractions such as Can Gio – which is renowned as the greenoasis in southern Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue imperial city and Lang Co beach incentral Thua Thien-Hue province.
Launched by the bilingual English-Vietnamesetourism magazine Wanderlust Tips, the programme is expected to help promoteinformation about Vietnam’s tourism on social media.
Vietnam ranks 63rd among 140 countries andterritories in the recently released Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index(TTCI) 2019, jumping four places from the 2017 ranking.
Released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) everytwo years since 2007, the TTCI 2019 analysed 140 economies and scored eachaccording to their performance on the following six pillars – Air transportinfrastructure, ICT readiness, Price competitiveness, International openness,Travel & tourism prioritisation, and Safety and Security.
When it comes to price competitiveness, Vietnamranks 22nd, rising 13 places while in terms of air transport infrastructure,the country has improved by 11 places, growing to 50th from 61st.
Spain holds the top spot in the ranking,followed by France, Germany and Japan. In Southeast Asia, Singapore was rankedas the most competitive travel and tourism economy while Vietnam was placed5th.
In 2019, Vietnam's tourism industry aims towelcome 103 million visitors, including 18 million international visitors and85 million domestic tourists.
According to the Vietnam National Administrationof Tourism Administration (VNAT), in the first eight months of this year, thenumber of foreign visitors to the country rose by 8.7 percent year on year to11.3 million, with highest growth rate seen in visitors from Asian countriesand territories, especially the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Taiwan.-VNA
The tourism industry is considered a spearhead sector, making contributions to the national economy. But, tourism growth is posing challenges to the environment, especially at popular tourist sites.
A workshop was held in Hanoi on August 20 to seek suitable measures for tourism operators and managers to promote development of Vietnam’s tourism sector in the context of new tourism development trends in the world.
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 image (Source: VNA) 
