Vietnamese tourism moves to new stage of development in 2021
Vietnam’s tourism sector will enter a new stage of development this year, with new measures sought to not only recover tourism activities but also ensure disease prevention and people’s safety, Vu The Binh, permanent vice chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, has told the media.
Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam’s tourism sector will enter a new stage of development thisyear, with new measures sought to not only recover tourism activities but alsoensure disease prevention and people’s safety, Vu The Binh, permanent vicechairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, has told the media.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NationalTravel Agents Forum 2021, Binh said that once the pandemic is brought undercontrol the tourism market will heat up again, but the psychology and needs oftourists are sure to change.
Travel agents are the key element in recovering and developing the market post-pandemic.
In 2020, he said, the number of internationaltourists fell nearly 80 percent compared to 2019, while domestic travellerswere down by 50 percent and the number of outbound tourists plunged 90 percent.
The sector’s total revenue was 312.2 trillionVND (13.5 billion USD), down nearly 60 percent.
Bach Moc Luong Tu peak (Photo: VNA)
During the year, 338 foreign travel agentsasked that their business licenses be withdrawn, a three-fold rise against2019, while 201 businesses applied for new licenses, down by one-third.
Therefore, to overcome the difficulties, Binhsuggested travel agents seek measures to resume operations in the “new normal”,with a focus on the domestic market.
The tourism industry will have to begin from virtuallythe starting line, he said, and proposed the expansion of digitaltransformation in tourism activities.
The psychology and needs of tourists afterCOVID-19 are sure to change and it is necessary to identify tourism productsthat are more suitable to the new normal. And travel agents should be thepioneering force in this endeavour, he added.
He suggested stepping up restructuring in governance,thoroughly understanding guest demand, and investing in quality.
Binh expressed his belief that tourism will recovershortly, reinforced by the appearance of COVID-19 vaccines./.
Ninh Binh province, a tourist destination in the north, is launching several measures to achieve its goal of welcoming 7 million arrivals this year, during which it hosts the National Tourism Year.
The northern province of Lao Cai, home to the popular holiday town of Sa Pa, has set a target of welcoming 5 million visitors this year and earning more than 696 million USD in tourism revenue.
It’s fair to say that 2020 was a challenging year for Vietnam’s tourism sector, but it wasn’t an unmitigated disaster. Analysts have said that COVID-19 created a turning point for both local and international tourism, requiring travel companies study and craft a new future for their business.
The capital city of Hanoi welcomed over 122,000 tourist arrivals during the first seven days of the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival which lasts from February 10-16 , according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
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.
Exploring Ha Long Bay by hydroplane (Photo: VNA) 
Bach Moc Luong Tu peak (Photo: VNA) 
