Hanoi (VNA) – More than 2.86 millionforeigners was estimated to visit Vietnam in January and February, up 29.7percent from the same period in 2017.
According to the General Statistics Officeof Vietnam, Asian visitors made up the lion’s share of the number, at over 2.12million people, increasing 35.8 percent year on year. The number of Chinesevisitors, which accounted for 30 percent of the total tourist arrivals in Vietnamduring the period, grew by 38.5 percent annually.
The numbers of tourist arrivals by air,road, and sea during the two-month period recorded respective annual increasesof 26.3, 58.4, and 3.5 percent.
The Vietnam National Administration ofTourism said it aims to serve between 15 and 17 million foreigners and 78million domestic travellers this year, with total revenue expected to hit 620trillion VND (27.28 billion USD), up 21.35 percent on year.
Vu The Binh, Vice Chairman of the VietnamTourism Association, said Northeast Asia, including China, the Republic ofKorea (RoK), Japan, Taiwan (China), will continue to be the major sources oftourists to Vietnam. Last year, China and the RoK sent 4 and 2.4 millionvisitors to Vietnam.
With a growth of 30 percent in tourism in2017, Vietnam for the first time came on the list of countries with fastesttourism growth speed in the world, ranking at the 6th place. -VNA
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has selectetd the top ten cultural, sport and tourism events in 2017 based on the result of voting by over 150 journalists nationwide.
Tourism in central and southern regions have reaped the benefits of the week-long Lunar New Year holiday (February 14 - 20), reporting an impressive surge in the number of visitors.
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 photo (Source: VNA) 
