Twenty travel companies were fined and another had its business licence revoked for 18 months for violating administrative regulations in travel business activities in 2017, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
A corner of Ha Long bay, Quang Ninh province (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Twenty travel companies werefined and another had its business licence revoked for 18 months for violating administrativeregulations in travel business activities in 2017, according to the Vietnam NationalAdministration of Tourism.
The firms’ violations were mainly failure to set up and store documents,use of tour guides without labour contracts, lack of tour guides, and having noreport of travel operations to authorised agencies.
During the year, inspectors from the Ministry of Culture, Sports andTourism conducted inspections at 55 agencies in seven provinces and cities,namely Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kien Giang, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Vinh Long, TienGiang and Quang Ninh, which are popular tourism destinations in the country.
A series of measures were also taken to improve the quality of travelservices and human resources; and enhance inter-sectorial coordination and managementwork.
About 13 million foreigners chose Vietnam as their holiday destinationin 2017, a year-on-year rise of nearly 3 million. Meanwhile, the sector served 73.2 milliondomestic tourists. It earned 510.9 trillion VND (22.5 billion USD) from tourismactivities this year.
At a recent meeting in Hanoi, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, head ofthe state steering committee for tourism, asked the tourism sector to improveproducts, accommodation facilities, manpower, while devising appropriatestrategies and plans.
More attention should be paid to quality, he noted, stressing that itmust successfully carry out the plan on restructuring the tourism sector so asto develop tourism into a spearhead economic industry.-VNA
The National Tourism Year 2018 is an opportunity for the northern province of Quang Ninh to promote its image to international friends, said Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Long.
The restructuring of the tourism sector should be conducted in a synchronous manner across all related sectors like transport, trade, services and customs, delegates said at a workshop in Hanoi on December 22.
The northern province of Quang Ninh needs to call on investment in developing luxury tourism and real estate products to meet the high demand of tourists, according to experts.
Tourist sites and resorts in the Ham Tien-Mui Ne area, Phan Thiet city, the south central coastal province of Binh Thuan, are busy during last months of the year as many international tourists come here for their winter vacation.
About 13 million foreigners chose Vietnam as their holiday destination in 2017, which is considered a record of the tourism sector and marked a year-on-year rise of nearly 3 million in the number of foreign visitors for the first time.
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 corner of Ha Long bay, Quang Ninh province (Source: VNA) 
