Foreign arrivals to Vietnam plummet 79 percent in 2020
Vietnam welcomed only 3.8 million foreign arrivals in 2020, down 78.7 percent from last year, as a result of the serious impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
A view of Bai Dai Beach on Phu Quoc Island, a famous tourist destination in Kien Giang province (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam welcomed only 3.8 million foreignarrivals in 2020, down 78.7 percent from last year, as a result of the serious impactof the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry, according to the GeneralStatistics Office (GSO).
Over 96 percent came to the country in the first quarter, before socialdistancing measures were imposed.
As the country has yet to reopen to international tourists, most foreignarrivals since the second quarter have been experts and skilled personnelworking in projects in the country.
In December alone, the number of foreign arrivals was down 8.1 percentmonth-on-month and 99 percent year-on-year.
For the year as a whole, foreign visitors coming by air accounted for80.3 percent of the total, down 78.6 percent against 2019, by road down 81.9percent, and by sea down 45.2 percent.
Those from Asia made up 73.3 percent of the total, down 80.4 percent,the GSO said, noting that arrivals from all main markets nose-dived, includingChina, down 83.5 percent, the Republic of Korea 80.4 percent, Japan 78.4percent, Taiwan (China) 78.8 percent, Cambodia 46.6 percent, and Malaysia 80.7percent.
Meanwhile, visitors from Europe fell 69 percent and America 75.7 percentcompared to 2019, the GSO reported.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) said the country holdsmany advantages from bringing COVID-19 under control quickly. Domestic travelstimulus programmes have been widely promoted to realise the twin targets offighting the outbreak and recovering the economy.
Online tourism marketing and communications increased due to thepandemic, VNAT noted, adding that it will boost investment in e-marketing andcooperation with major tech firms around the world to apply the most modern technologiesin the tourism sector./.
Hanoi is expected to welcome 13.16-19.04 million tourists in 2021, up 45-65.5 percent as compared with the previous year, according to a scenario put forth by the municipal tourism sector.
Stories about heritages in the northern province of Quang Ninh were told through a show of 17 collections of Ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress) at Quang Ninh 2020 Ao dai festival organised in Cam Pha city on December 26.
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.
A view of Bai Dai Beach on Phu Quoc Island, a famous tourist destination in Kien Giang province (Photo: VNA) 
