Sport tourism enhances Vietnam’s destination appeal
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.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) attracts many young participants at the 2024 Ho Chi Minh City Open River Swimming Championship and the first HCM City Open Stand-up Paddleboarding Championship. (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – With its diverse landscapes ranging from mountains and plains to rivers andꦰ islands, m🥃any localities across Vietnam are considered to have strong potential for developing sport tourism.
According to Dr. Doan Manh Cuong from Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 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.
However, he stressed that thorough investment and synchronised solutions are necessary. Localities should focus on infrastructure development, build multifunctional sport centres, and upgrade event venues. He also recommended encouraging private investment through public-private partnerships to diversify funding sources and reduce the burden on the state budget.
At the same time, relevant agencies should strengthen international promotion efforts and cooperate with major global sports organisations to place Vietnam on the global sport tourism map. A strategic approach is also needed to train specialised human resources, including courses in event organising, adventure sports guiding, and sustainable tourism management.
Cuong also highlighted the importance of environmental protection, suggesting local authorities implement environmentally friendly practices in tandem with tourism development to ensure sporting activities do not damage natural resources.
Sharing the same view, Nguyen Cong Hoan, General Director of Flamingo Redtours JSC, stressed the need for close coordination among competent agencies to design appropriate and attractive competition schedules and event regulations. Safety for tourists and athletes must also be a top priority.
According to representatives from Ho Chi Minh City’s Departments of Tourism, and Culture and Sports, following the administrative boundary reorganisation, the city now has numerous advantages to host sporting competitions and performances integrated with cultural events and tourism promotion activities.
Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, said the water festival, recently recognised by the HCM City People’s Committee at the local Creative Awards, exemplifies the successful combination of tourism, culture, sports, and economy. Leveraging the city’s river-based characteristics, the festival significantly boosted its image and tourism appeal.
Evidence of this success is shown by data from early June 2024, during which the water festival attracted more than 1.3 million visitors to the city within just the first 10 days of the month. Hotel occupancy rates also rose by 25–30% compared to regular periods./.
Building a modern, concerted, and efficient data system not only is essential for effective management of culture, tourism and sports but also opens up opportunities for harnessing, promoting, and preserving the country’s cultural values.
Vice Mayor of Rio de Janeiro Nilton Caldeira has proposed a football exchange with Vietnam as part of celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Vietnam-Brazil diplomatic ties.
Thailand always attaches importance to promoting tourism and sport cooperation with Vietnam, Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn recently told Vietnamese Ambassador to the country Phan Chi Thanh.
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.
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 the 31st-generation descendant of King Ly Thai To, Ly Xuong Can was first appointed as Vietnam’s Tourism Ambassador to the RoK in 2017 and reappointed in 2021. In his role, he has spearheaded numerous cultural exchange and tourism promotion initiatives, including the establishment of the Vietnam tourism promotion office in the RoK and the development of a cashless payment project for Korean tourists visiting Vietnam.
