Close to 8.5 million foreigners visit Vietnam in first half
Close to 8.5 million foreigners visited Vietnam in the first half of this year, a rise of 7.5 percent year on year, reported the General Statistics Office (GSO) on June 28.
Foreign visitors in Hoi An ancient city (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)– Close to 8.5 million foreigners visited Vietnam in the first half of thisyear, a rise of 7.5 percent year on year, reported the General StatisticsOffice (GSO) on June 28.
Visitors coming byroads surged by 24.9 percent and those arriving by air rose by 4.5 percent.
The tourism sector has set a target of welcoming 18 million foreign visitorsand serving 85 million local visitors this year.
Accordingly, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has launchedtourism promotion events in key markets since the beginning of this year.
In June, a delegation from the Administration joined the Beijing InternationalTourism Expo (BITE), China, aiming to maintain the flow of tourists from thislarge market of Vietnam’s tourism sector.
At BITE, the officials focused on advertizing sea, culture, and urban tourismand eco-tours.
In the meantime, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien ischairing a roadshow featuring Vietnamese tourism and a Vietnam culture-tourismfestival in the Republic of Korea.
Under the Politburo Resolution 08 on developing tourism into a spearheadeconomic sector, the tourism industry looks to attract 17-20 million foreignvisitors and cater for 82 million local tourists, contribute over 10 percent ofGDP, earn revenues of 35 billion USD, and generate 4 million jobs, including1.6 million direct jobs by 2020. -VNA
Vietnamese tourism will be promoted in Taipei, Taiwan, on July 26, while Vietnamese food will be introduced at the 2019 Taiwan Culinary Exhibition, also in Taipei, from July 25-29.
The ASEAN Post of Malaysia has recently run an article featuring the rise of Vietnam’s tourism, in which it affirmed that Vietnam is an emerging regional star in the tourism sector.
Provided with beautiful landscapes, long beaches and rich cultural and marine resources, Binh Dinh province is expected to transform into a key destination for both domestic and foreign visitors.
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.
Foreign visitors in Hoi An ancient city (Source: VNA) 
