WTM 2022 a good chance for Vietnam to promote tourism
Along with seeking partnership in the UK and Europe, Vietnamese travel firms and localities attending the World Travel Market (WTM) in London from November 7-9 have promoted the image of Vietnam as an attractive, friendly and safe destination for international tourists.
Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh addresses a press conference within the WTM 2022 (Photo: VNA)
London (VNA) – Along with seeking partnershipin the UK and Europe, Vietnamese travel firms and localities attending the World Travel Market (WTM) in London fromNovember 7-9 have promoted the image of Vietnam as an attractive, friendly andsafe destination for international tourists.
The Vietnamese pavilion covers 250 sq.m, spreading themessage “Live fully in Vietnam” to the event, which draws about 5,000businesses from 182 countries and 51,000 visitors.
This year, Vietnam focuses on popularising sea tourism andthe country’s nature, culture and cities.
Various activities have been held during the event,including those to connect with international partners, art performances andthe introduction of the Vietnam National Tourism Year 2023, which is themed “BinhThuan: Green Tourism”.
Vo Anh Tai, Deputy General Director of Saigontourist, saidthat the UK is a promising market for Vietnamese tourism with visitors’ highspending at over 1,300 USD per day. Thanks to the visa exemption appliedfor five European countries, including the UK, the number of British touriststo Vietnam rose 20% each year from 2016 to 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, henoted.
Vietnam promotes tourism at WTM 2022 (Photo: VNA)
Speaking at a press briefing within the WTM framework, Directorof the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Trung Khanhsaid that Europe is one of the most important markets of Vietnam's tourism withover 2 million visitors, accounting for 12% of the total 18 millioninternational visitors to Vietnam before the pandemic.
Since Vietnam reopened its tourism, European tourists have beenthe first to visit Vietnam, he said, adding that their demand for information ofVietnamese tourism as well as tours to Vietnam is increasing.
Khanh cited data of the World Economic Forum showing thatVietnamese tourism competitiveness has improved considerably from the 52nd position worldwide in 2021, becoming one of the three countries with the fastestimprovement in the world.
In the January-October period, Vietnam welcomed over 2 million visitors, 18times that in the same period last year, while search volume forVietnamese tourism also rose 11 times compared to the figure recorded in earlyMarch, said the official.
Vietnam has applied visa exemption for visitors from 24countries and territories, and allowed online visa registration for citizens of80 countries and territories as part of the efforts to create favourable conditionsfor foreign visitors to enter Vietnam, he added.
At the press conference, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen HoangLong called on tourists and businesses from the UK and other countries toexplore the nation and people of Vietnam as well as investment and businessopportunities in the country./.
Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 546,000 international visitors in October this year, lifting the total number of foreign arrivals to the city in the last 10 months to 2.65 million, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
The southern province of Tay Ninh is applying itself to developing modern and civilised new-style rural areas to generate sustainable values for its countryside in the new period.
The opening ceremony of Kien Giang’s Khmer culture-sport-tourism festival took place on November 8 on the bank of Cai Lon river in Go Quao district, which houses the largest number of Khmer people in the Mekong Delta province.
The final night of Miss Tourism World 2022 will be held in the northern province of Vinh Phuc on December 3, the organisers told a press conference on November 8.
The sixth Hanoi International Film Festival (HANIFF VI) opened on November 8 evening, featuring 125 films from 56 nations and territories, including 45 of Vietnam.
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.
Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh addresses a press conference within the WTM 2022 (Photo: VNA) 
Vietnam promotes tourism at WTM 2022 (Photo: VNA) 
