Vietnam’s renowned destinations, excellent tourism products and policies will be nudged closer to European friends under a programme held by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism in collaboration with relevant parties from June 18-29.
An Bang beach is a famous destination in Hoi An. (Photo: vntrip)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s renowned destinations, excellent tourismproducts and policies will be nudged closer to European friends under aprogramme held by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism incollaboration with relevant parties from June 18-29.
The programme serves as a catalyst to lure more European tourists whilecreating venue for tourism enterprises to bolster cooperation. It is scheduledin Zurich (Switzerland), Munich (Germany), Vienna (Austria), Budapest (Hungary)and Prague (the Czech Republic).
Recently, Edelweiss, Switzerland’s leading leisure airline, announced that itwill open a direct air route connecting Zurich and Ho Chi Minh City. This isthe first direct flight between the two countries, aiming to reduce traveltimes and create impetus for bilateral tourism and trade development.
Vietnam’s renowned tourism hotspots have become increasingly alluring for Swissnationals. The carrier plans to bring 10,500 passengers to the Vietnamesesouthern hub every year. In 2017, Vietnam welcomed 32,000 Swiss arrivals andthe figure is expected to rise 10 percent every year thanks to the directflight.
The Czech Republic and Austria are potential markets for Vietnam’s tourism,therefore, it is crucial to focus more on promotion activities in thosecountries.
As Germany is deemed as a significant market, the Vietnamese tourism sectorshould accelerate marketing and promotion programmes to lure more Germantourists, particularly the introduction of the country’s visa policy for fivewestern European countries, including Germany.
From 2015, the Vietnamese Government decided to extend visa exemptions by anadditional year for tourists from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italyand Spain. The policy will last until 2020 to attract tourists from thosecountries.
Spurred by visa exemption policy and tourism promotion campaigns, number ofwestern European visitors to Vietnam surged rapidly.
In 2015, the country served 720,000 western European holiday-makers while thenumber increased to 1.5 million people in 2017.
In the first five months of this year, Vietnam welcomed 976,000 visitors fromEurope, a year-on-year increase of 11.8 percent. -VNA
As many as 250 representatives from 220 German and Austrian travel agencies are participating in a conference on tourism which opened in the central coastal city of Da Nang on April 21.
Vietnam Airlines attended the FITUR 2018 in Madrid, Spain, from January 17-19 to introduce its products and services as well as promoting Vietnam’s tourism to the international community.
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.