Vietnam has won 15 ASEAN tourism awards at a ceremony held as part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which wrapped up in Ha Long city, the northern port city of Quang Ninh, on January 18.
Quang Ninh (VNA) – Vietnamhas won 15 ASEAN tourism awards at a ceremony held as part of the ASEAN TourismForum (ATF), which wrapped up in Ha Long city, the northern port city of Quang Ninh,on January 18.
The awards cover the fields of community-based tourism, homestay, spa, andpublic toilet services.
Themed “ASEAN: The Power of One”, the ATF featured more than 20 activities andevents, attracting the participation of over 2,000 delegates from tourismministries and agencies of ASEAN, the World Tourism Organisation, and otherinternational tourism organisations and associations.
It has opened up opportunities for cooperation in and the promotion of the lands,cultures, and peoples of ASEAN member countries to international friends, aswell as helped elevate the political position of the 10-member group throughbilateral and multilateral mechanism dialogues.
At the event, Vietnam proposed connecting heritages to boost ASEAN tourism inthe digital era.
Delegates agreed to adopt press statements on tourism cooperation anddevelopment both within ASEAN and between the group and its partners, as wellas specific cooperation programmes in response to the ASEAN-India Year ofTourism in 2019; and set targets for tourism growth in the bloc.
Representatives of the participatingcountries highly valued the efforts made by Vietnam and Quang Ninh province,which is home to UNESCO-recognised Ha Long Bay, in hosting the forum.
This is the second time Vietnam hashosted the ATF, following the first in 2009 under the theme of “ASEAN Tourism:Striving for a New Height”.
At the closing ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen NgocThien handed over the mantle of the ATF 2020 host to Brunei. –VNA
The Travel Exchange 2019 (Travex 2019), part of the ongoing ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 (ATF 2019), opened in Ha Long city, the northeastern province of Quang Ninh on January 16.
The 22nd Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers opened in the northern province of Quang Ninh on January 17 as part of the ongoing ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019.
The 18th ASEAN+3 Tourism Ministers Meeting took place in Ha Long city, the northeastern province of Quang Ninh on January 18 as part of the activities of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 (ATF 2019).
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.
At the ASEAN Tourism Award ceremony (Photo: VNA) 
