Vietnam’s tourism sector has made new records in 2016, said Nguyen Van Tuan, Head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism at a press conference on December 22 in Hanoi.
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s tourism sector has made new records in 2016, said NguyenVan Tuan, Head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism at a pressconference on December 22 in Hanoi.
According toTuan, one of the records is the number of 10 million international touristarrivals, up 25 percent against last year (or two million), making the highestthus far.
The ten-millionthforeign visitor to Vietnam will land Phu Quoc international airport in thesouthern coastal province of Kien Giang on December 25.
The sector also served62 million domestic tourists and earned total revenues of 400 trillion VND (18billion USD).
Such figures showed that the sector in 2016 has reached the goals set for 2020 under theStrategy for Vietnamese tourism development in 2020 with a vision to 2030.
According to thetourism administration, most of foreign tourist groups to Vietnam increased in2016.
To date, NortheastAsian visitors have topped the list, especially those from China, Japan and theRepublic of Korea (RoK). They together made up 30 percent of internationaltourists in 2016.
The number ofWestern European travellers to Vietnam also experienced a soar, including thosefrom Italy, the UK, France, Germany and Spain, which are benefiting fromVietnam’s visa exemption policy.
By the end ofOctober this year, as many as 635,000 tourists from those markets arrived inVietnam, an increase of 16 percent compared to the same period last year. Of thefigure, the Italian market upped 30 percent, Spain and the UK ones jumped by 27percent and 22 percent, respectively.
Russia is the Vietnamesetourism sector’s biggest European market with a growth of 27 percent, whilesmall – scale ones such as the Netherlands and Sweden also enjoyed asignificant rise.
In 2017, thecountry’s tourism aims to lure 11.5 million international tourists and serve 66million domestic visitors, earning 460 trillion VND (20.24 billion USD) inrevenue.-VNA
More than 5.2 million foreign tourists visited Ho Chi Minh City in 2016, a rise of 10 percent against last year, said the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
The tourism sector will host the 10 millionth foreign visitor to Vietnam at the Phu Quoc international airport in the southern coastal province of Kien Giang on December 25.
More than 5.2 million foreign tourists visited Ho Chi Minh City in 2016, a rise of 10 percent against last year. The figures have been released by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Vietnam is one of the most favourite destinations of Russians for the New Year holiday, according to Maya Lomidze, Director of Association of Tour Operations of Russia (ATOR).
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.
Tourists at Hoi An ancient town (Photo: VNA) 
