Foreign arrivals to Vietnam plunge 61.6 pct. in first seven months
Vietnam welcomed 3.8 million foreign tourists in the first seven months of 2020, a year-on-year decline of 61.6 percent, the General Statistics Office announced on July 29.
Foreign tourists visit Trang An tourism complex in northern Ninh Binh province (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam welcomed 3.8 million foreign tourists in the firstseven months of 2020, a year-on-year decline of 61.6 percent, the GeneralStatistics Office announced on July 29.
Asianvisitors accounted for the lion’s share, 73 percent, down 63.9 percent year-on-year.
Arrivalsfrom most major markets, including China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, declinedsubstantially in January-July, with only those from Cambodia rising, by 88.9 percent.
Touristsfrom Europe fell 48.7 percent year-on-year.
InJuly alone, 139,000 foreigners arrived in Vietnam, mainly by road, amonth-on-month increase of 8.7 percent but down 98.9 percent against the sameperiod last year, as the country has yet to open its doors to internationaltourists.
Meanwhile,the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said that following a domestictourism stimulus plan, many localities recorded month-on-month surges in June ofat least 1.5-fold in domestic holidaymaker numbers.
Theyincluded Sa Pa in Lao Cai province and also Quang Ninh province in the north,Binh Dinh and Phu Yen provinces in the central region, and Phu Quoc Island, offthe coast of the Mekong Delta’s Kien Giang province./.
Foreign arrivals to Vietnam totalled just 880,000 in June, the lowest figure in many years, as the country maintained a ban on the entry of foreigners that was introduced in March to curb the spread of COVID-19, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
Travel linkages between regions in the country are vital to realise the tourism potential of localities and contribute to efforts to rejuvenate the tourism industry, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has said.
Statistics Indonesia (BPS) announced on July 1 that Indonesia had welcomed only 163,646 foreign tourist arrivals in May, a drop of 86.9 percent year-on-year, due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
Tickets to enter sightseeing spots and stay overnight at Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in the northern province of Quang Ninh, have been cut by half as part of the locality’s efforts to support travel companies.
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 tourists visit Trang An tourism complex in northern Ninh Binh province (Photo: VNA) 
