The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has called for strengthened activities to respond to World Tourism Day (September 27), with the aim to raise public awareness of the role of the sector.
Foreign tourists visit Ho Chi Minh City (Source: VNA)
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has called for strengthened activities to respond to World Tourism Day (September 27), with the aim to raise public awareness of the position and role of the sector.
Themed “One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities”, this year´s World Tourism Day is an opportunity to celebrate the transformative potential of one billion tourists.
In his message sent to countries all round the world, Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organisation Talef Rifai wrote that more than one billion tourists travel to an international destination every year, thus making tourism a leading economic sector that contributes 10 percent of global GDP and 6 percent of the world´s total export.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Van Tuan affirmed that Vietnam ’s tourism sector has enjoyed strong development and proved to be an important economic sector of the country.
The number of foreign tourists to the country increased from over 5 million in 2010 to approximately 8 million in 2014. During the period, the number of domestic holidaymakers also surged, from 28 million to 38 million.
Last year, tourism revenues accounted for 6 percent of the nation’s GDP, up significantly from 3.26 percent in 2000. As many as 1.97 million Vietnamese people directly or indirectly work in the sector, making up 3.8 percent of the country’s total workforce.-VNA
Golden opportunities will open up for the Mekong Delta region to promote its marine and island tourism as the 2016 National Tourism Year is scheduled to take place in the locality next year.
International visitors to Vietnam are likely to burgeon from 8 to 18 percent should the Government create more favourable conditions for visa waivers, said Vu Tien Loc, President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
Vietnam is working hard to build its image as a safe and friendly tourism destination, given the number of foreign tourists to the country in the first half of 2015 experienced a year-on-year decline of 10 percent, as heard during an online workshop in Hanoi on July 15.
A crowd of youth from travel agencies joined tourist support forces in Ho Chi Minh City at a ceremony in response to an action movement to build a friendly tourism environment in the city.
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.