Vietnam attends 26th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers in Indonesia
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Doan Van Viet together with other tourism senior officials in ASEAN countries attended the 26th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers (M-ATM) that opened on February 4 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Foreigners visit Ho Chi Minh City during the Lunar New Year (Tet) celebration. (Photo: VNA)
Jakarta (VNA)🍌 – Deputy Minister of Culture,Sports and Tourism Doan Van Viet together with other tourism senior officials in ASEANcountries attended the 26th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers (M-ATM) thatopened on February 4 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Participants in the event that is part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum( ATF) 2023 heard a reportand gave comments on the results of the 57th meeting of the ASEAN NationalTourism Organisations, considered the agenda of M-ATM 3 (ASEAN plus China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea); M-ATM-India andM-ATM-Russia; and attended consultations with international organisations. The meeting also reviewed and approved the Chairman'sStatement and 26th meeting of M-ATM Minutes. Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Doan Van Viet said that2022 witnessed a rapid recovery of the regional tourism industry. Countriesreopened borders and lifted travel restrictions related to the COVID-19pandemic. As a result, in the final months of 2022, the number ofinternational visitors to the region increased rapidly, promoting the recoveryof services, and contributing to job creation and overall economic growth. During the transition time of the tourism industry, theASEAN tourism cooperation mechanism has affirmed its importance in maintainingconnectivity and close cooperation between ASEAN member countries, Viet said. He highly appreciated the active coordinating role of theASEAN Secretariat, Indonesia as ASEAN chair, and the national tourism agenciesthat have made great efforts to implement projects, plans, and targetedprogrammes, contributing to helping the tourism industry overcome manydifficulties and challenges and achieve remarkable results. Appreciating the project of the Intra-ASEAN Tourism RecoveryCampaign, Viet said that many experts and organisations hel that neighbouringmarkets will be easier to recover and can become leverage to attract customersfrom distant markets again. As one of the first countries to remove all entryrequirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic from May 2022, Vietnam hasactively promoted tourism promotion, especially towards the ASEAN market. Last year, Vietnam welcomed about 3.5 foreign visitors, including about 920,000 visitors from ASEAN, accounting for about 45% of that in the pre-pandemic level./.
A Vietnamese delegation headed by Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Ha Van Sieu attended the 57th meeting of the ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTO) as part of the ongoing ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2023 in Indonesia.
Vietnam’s merchandise trade with Asia reached 475.29 billion USD in 2022, increasing by 9.6% compared to 2021 and accounting for the highest proportion (65.1%) in the country's total import-export value.
Vietnam lauded its bountiful tourism options at the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) trade fair, part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2023 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from February 2-5.
After more than two years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all tourism activities in Vietnam have returned to normal and experienced a remarkable recovery since the country's full reopening on March 15 last year, Ha Van Sieu, deputy head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), said on February 3.
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.
Foreigners visit Ho Chi Minh City during the Lunar New Year (Tet) celebration. (Photo: VNA) 
