Experts discuss solutions to develop Asian tourism
The 16th annual meeting of the Council for Promoting Tourism in Asia (CPTA) opened on September 6 with the participation of member cities including Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Taipei, Manila and Hanoi.
In the first six months of 2018, Hanoi welcomed more than 13 million visitors, a 10 percent increase compared to the previous year. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The 16th annual meeting of the Council forPromoting Tourism in Asia (CPTA) opened on September 6 with the participationof member cities including Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Taipei, Manila andHanoi.
During the four-day meeting, representatives will review recent activities,discuss new projects, work on tourism development, enhance the responsibilitiesof state tourism management agencies and strengthen cooperation betweenmunicipal governments and tourism agencies, as well as other issues related tothe cooperation and promotion of the ‘Welcome to Asia’ campaign.
“With a history of 1000 years, Hanoi has the potential to develop its tourismindustry. The city attached special importance to the CPTA. Since itsestablishment 16 years ago, the CPTA has proved its adaptability to globaldevelopment,” said Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Ngo Van Quyduring a working session.
President of the CPTA Yuji Fujita said the focus of the meeting was to work onmore effective policies and activities to attract more tourists to Asia’scities.
He said he hoped the delegates would contribute to stronger and more effectivecooperation in tourism development in Asia.
This is the fourth time Hanoi has hosted this event, which is expected to helpthe city lure more international visitors.
On September 7 and 9, there will be a tourism promotion meeting and a tourismexposition of member cities of CPTA.
On September 9, participants will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Templeof Literature, the Thang Long Royal Citadel and Bat Trang pottery village.
The CPTA includes State tourism management agencies from 10 member cities ofthe Asian Network of Major Cities 21 (ANMC21): Tokyo, Bangkok, New Delhi, KualaLumpur, Jakarta, Seoul, Taipei, Manila, Tomsk and Hanoi.
In the first six months of 2018, Hanoi welcomed more than 13 million visitors,a 10 per cent increase compared to the previous year, among which were 3million foreign tourists. Total tourism revenue during the period reached anestimated 40 trillion VND (1.7 billion USD).-VNS/VNA
The capital city of Hanoi is striving to welcome 5.5 million foreigners among over 25.4 million tourists in 2018, confirming itself as an attractive destination in the region and the world.
Hanoi is looking to cooperate closely with member cities of the Council for Promoting Tourism in Asia (CPTA) in tourism development, a municipal official said.
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.
In the first six months of 2018, Hanoi welcomed more than 13 million visitors, a 10 percent increase compared to the previous year. (Photo: VNA) 
