13 million foreigners spend holidays in Vietnam in 2017
About 13 million foreigners chose Vietnam as their holiday destination in 2017, which is considered a record of the tourism sector and marked a year-on-year rise of nearly 3 million in the number of foreign visitors for the first time.
Visitors to Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang province (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – About 13 million foreigners choseVietnam as their holiday destination in 2017, which is considered a record ofthe tourism sector and marked a year-on-year rise of nearly 3 million in thenumber of foreign visitors for the first time.
Meanwhile, the sector served 73.2 milliondomestic tourists. It earned 510.9 trillion VND (22.5 billion USD) fromvisitors this year, according to statistics unveiled at a meeting of the Statesteering committee for tourism in Hanoi on December 26.
Local tourism accommodation has been developed,surpassing 25,000 establishments with more than 500,000 rooms. There are now116 five-star hotels with over 33,000 rooms, 259 four-star hotels, and 488three-star hotels nationwide.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism(MCST) reported that the tourism sector successfully fulfilled the target of30-percent rise in the number of foreign visitors.
While promotion activities have been enhancedand reformed, the sector has also attracted much social investment in tourism,especially the high-end segment. Many localities have made efforts to attractinvestment in tourism and develop tourism products.
Vietnam has also won a number of tourism awardsand titles in 2017, which helped promote the country’s image during integrationinto the world, the ministry noted.
The MCST also admitted certain shortcomings inthe industry, including limited services at some tourism areas, low competitiveness,a shortage of strong tourism brand names, and flaws in ensuring security andsafety for tourists at some places of interest.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime MinisterVu Duc Dam, head of the State steering committee for tourism, applauded the 30-percentincrease in the foreign tourist number, noting that more attention should bepaid to quality.
He asked the tourism sector to improve products,accommodation facilities, manpower, as well as museum and theme parks, whiledevising appropriate strategies and plans. It must successfully carry out theplan on restructuring the tourism sector so as to develop tourism into aspearhead economic industry.-VNA
The Prime Minister has recently given the green light to a tourism development master plan for Dong Van Karst Plateau national tourism site in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang until 2025 with a vision towards 2030.
The northern province of Quang Ninh needs to call on investment in developing luxury tourism and real estate products to meet the high demand of tourists, according to experts.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved a master plan for the development of Tan Trao national tourist site in the northern province of Tuyen Quang to 2030.
Tourist sites and resorts in the Ham Tien-Mui Ne area, Phan Thiet city, the south central coastal province of Binh Thuan, are busy during last months of the year as many international tourists come here for their winter vacation.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the only in the list to be granted the green-tick status, indicating the site's remarkable credibility among international visitors.
Citizens from 12 countries will be granted visa-free entry for stays of up to 45 days in Vietnam for tourism purposes, regardless of their passport types.
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.
Visitors to Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang province (Photo: VNA) 
