Vietnam expects to welcome 13 million foreign visitors this year
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it will propose the Government revise the target of international tourists to 12.5-13 million from only 8 million this year, a 56% increase from the plan set at the beginning of the year.
Foreign tourists visit a tourism site in Hanoi. (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Culture,Sports and Tourism said it will propose the Government revise the target ofinternational tourists to 12.5-13 million from only 8 million thisyear, a 56% increase from the plan set at the beginning of the year.
The proposal is based on positive signs in Septemberas the country welcomed more than 1.05 million foreign visitors, marking thethird consecutive month the figure has surpassed the 1 million mark.
In the first nine months of this year, the tourism industry served 8.9 million foreign holidaymakers, and 93.5 million domestic tourists,pocketing some 536.5 trillion VND (22.07 billion USD),according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).
The Republic of Korea (RoK) remained the biggestsource of tourists to Vietnam in the nine-month period with nearly 2.6 million,followed by China and Taiwan (China). In Europe, the UK, France and Germanywere the biggest markets for Vietnam’s tourism.
With the peak season for international tourism aroundthe corner, the industry expects a surge in the number of foreign vacationersthanks to the new visa policy, which was put in place August 15.
Under the law, the e-visa validity period isextended to 90 days from 30 days. Foreigners can enter and exit Vietnam unlimited times and without having toapply for new visas. The law also permits citizens of the countries entitled toVietnam’s unilateral visa exemption to be granted a temporary residence periodof 45 days, instead of 15 days like in the past, and have visa granting andtemporary residence extensions considered in line with regulations.
VNAT’s website at //vietnam.travel/ has continuedpromoting tourism products and destinations, and major events. Meanwhile, localitieshave diversified tourism products and stepped up promotion activities toattract both domestic and foreign holidaymakers in the remaining months of thisyear.
Notably, there will be Hue Festival 2023 – Winter Festival in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue and Ban GiocWaterfall Festival in the northern province of Cao Bang this month.
In Hanoi, the Hanoi Gift Show 2023, which kicked offon October 1, is treating visitors to a wide range of local handicrafts andexhibitors to myriad opportunities for business links and market expansion./.
Vietnam welcomed nearly 6.6 million international visitors in the first seven months of this year, accounting for 83% of the yearly target, according to Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).
The search for destinations in Vietnam has increased sharply after a new visa policy was approved by the National Assembly (NA), according to Agoda, a digital travel platform.
The northeastern coastal province of Quang Ninh aims to make its tourism a spearhead and sustainable economic sector by 2030, attracting at least 25.5-26 million visitors, including about 9 million foreigners.
As the peak season for international tourism is approaching, after a long time being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has determined it is a time for tourism sector to rebound and thrive.
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.
Foreign tourists visit a tourism site in Hanoi. (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn) 
