The grand opening ceremony of the Visit Vietnam Year 2021 and Hoa Lu Festival 2021, themed “Hoa Lu - thousand-year Ancient Capital”, took place in the northern province of Ninh Binh on April 20.
At the opening ceremony of the Visit Vietnam Year 2021 (Photo: VNA)
Ninh Binh (VNA) - The grand opening ceremony of the Visit Vietnam Year 2021 and Hoa Lu Festival 2021, themed “Hoa Lu - thousand-year Ancient Capital”, took place in the northern province of Ninh Binh on April 20.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said that tourism is one of the sector hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. To promote tourism amid the pandemic, rational solutions should be carried out to boosttourism digitalisation, with focus sharpened on development of a safe andfriendly tourism environment and preservation of traditional cultural values.
He also called on all people to strictly follow safety measures andcurrent regulations while travelling.
Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam addresses the opening ceremony. (Photo: VNA)
“As Vietnam has not opened border for international visitors, this is a goodchance for locals to discover the country’s stunning landscapes and culture,helping promote patriotism and national pride”, he said, adding state-ownedagencies and service providers should review their development policies, and upgrade tourism products to get ready for the return of international arrivals.
This year the Visit Vietnam Year event, annually held since 2003, will boast a wide range of activities across the nation to popularise Vietnamese tourism.
Vietnamese tourism has got an impressive leap in the past years, becoming a bright spot in the world’s tourism map, while Ninh Binh was honoured as one of the world’s Top 50 best tourist attractions, and the most hospitabledestination in Vietnam, he underlined.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham Quang Ngoc saidHoa Lu land boasts gorgeous natural landscapes, unique culture, and historicalvalues, which have been preserved by local people for years.
In the past years, Ninh Binh has been chosen as a top destination in Vietnam andthe world by prestigious travel websites, he said, adding local tourismexpanded over 11 percent on average during 2010-2019.
In 2019, the province welcomed nearly 8 million visitors, created jobsand sustainable livelihoods for tens of thousands of local people.
He described hosting the Visit Vietnam Year 2021 as a valuable opportunity forthe province to affirm its position in the Vietnamese and global travel maps.
An art programme and a high-altitude firework display were organised followingthe opening ceremony./.
The biennial Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa Sea Festival in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa bid farewell to thousands of visitors on May 14 with a dazzling art performance.
The northern province of Ninh Binh is working around the clock to prepare for the grand opening ceremony of the Visit Vietnam Year 2021 and Hoa Lu Festival on April 20, which is expected to attract thousands of people.
Tourism operators have been bullish about their business’s bouncing back after being battered by COVID-19 as the summer holidays near and the disease is largely brought under control.
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 opening ceremony of the Visit Vietnam Year 2021 (Photo: VNA) 
Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam addresses the opening ceremony. (Photo: VNA) 
