Vietnam welcomed nearly 3.7 million international tourists in the first three months of 2020, down 18.1 percent from the same period last year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam welcomed nearly3.7 million international tourists in the first three months of 2020, down 18.1percent from the same period last year, according to the General StatisticsOffice (GSO).
The reduction was attributed to the suspensionof non-essential services and tours in provinces and cities nationwide to focuson the fight against the acute respiratory disease caused by novel coronavirusSARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Most of the visitors arrived in Vietnam by air,accounting for over 80 percent of the total, a year-on-year decline of about 15percent.
Tourists from Asian markets dropped by 21.1percent, Europe 3.1 percent, America 20.2 percent, and Oceania 14.4 percent.
Only arrivals from Africa went up by 2 percentcompared to the same period last year.
To help the tourism industry recover afterCOVID-19, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc direct relevant ministries and localities to promptlyprovide support policies for travel businesses to reduce losses and resumetourism activities.
Earlier, the ministry sent a notice to 25 citiesand provinces, including the capital city of Hanoi and the southern economichub of Ho Chi Minh City, asking to select some tourism accommodations providingpay-to-stay services for Vietnamese and foreigners entering Vietnam frompandemic-hit countries who are subject to 14-day compulsory quarantine./.
Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung on March 13 ordered a temporary closure of the historical relics in both urban and suburban areas, and a halt of the operation of the bars and karaoke parlours as well as music programmes until the end of March.
Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh has affirmed that Vietnam, as a leading garment exporter, is able to meet demand for face masks of people in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.
Several provinces and cities across the country have temporarily closed tourist sites to prevent the spread of the acute respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
The central province of Quang Nam has required all foreign visitors to wear face masks when visiting the world heritage site of Hoi An city in the province.
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.
Foreign visitors in Hanoi capital (Photo: VNA) 
