About 10 Vietnamese firms offering aviation, tourism and lodging services participated in the 2023 World Travel Market London (WTM London) which took place from November 6-8.
A Vietnamese booth at 2023 World Travel Market London. (Photo: VNA)
London (VNA) – About 10 Vietnamese firmsoffering aviation, tourism and lodging services participated in the 2023 WorldTravel Market London (WTM London) which took place from November 6-8.
As many as 40 countries, 221 exhibitors and 9,000 trade visitors tookpart in the first ever WTM at London Olympia in 1980. WTM London nowfacilitates 2.8 billion GBP (3.4 billion USD) in industry deals and has around5,000 exhibitors from 182 countries and regions and more than 51,000participants, according to its website.
Vietnamese businesses have partaken in the event formore than 10 consecutive years, except for 2020 and 2021 when it was suspendeddue to the COVID-19 pandemic, displaying diverse tourism products and services.
Huyen Nguyen, Managing Director at Hanoi-based Go-Indochine,said WTM London offers a good opportunity to participating firms to maintainand promote relations with their traditional partners and seek new ones, andstay updated on the global tourism business trend.
She held that there should be a coordinating unit toeffectively promote Vietnam’s tourism at such big events as WTM London.
Vietnam was honoured in 45 categories of the 2023World Travel Awards, one of the leading tourism awards in Asia, which is dubbedas the “Oscars of Tourism”. The country was named Asia’s Leading Destinationfor the fifth time and Asia’s Leading Nature Destination for the second time ina row.
Its total revenue from tourism is estimated at582.6 trillion VND (23.7 billion USD) in the first 10 months of this year,according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.
In the period, the country welcomed 10 millionforeign tourists, exceeding the target of 8 million for the whole year, andserved 98.7 million domestic holiday-makers. In October alone, the tourismsector served 1.11 million foreign visitors and 5.2 million domestic tourists./.
Ho Chi Minh City welcomed more than 30 million domestic and foreign visitors during January – October, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
Sports tourism is a new development trend in the tourism sector that brings great benefits to localities, including the northern province of Ninh Binh. Boasting diverse terrain, magnificent landscapes, unique historical and cultural values, Ninh Binh has great potential to develop this type of tourism.
The Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival taking place recently is believed to promote the capital city’s image as an attractive and safe tourist destination, and support artisans and craft village in making their products better meet the demand of both domestic and international tourists.
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.
A Vietnamese booth at 2023 World Travel Market London. (Photo: VNA) 
