Vietnam greets over 9 million foreign tourists in seven months
Vietnam welcomed more than 9 million foreign vacationers in the first seven months of 2018, a year-on-year rise of 25.4 percent, according to the General Statistic Office.
Foreigners take a selfie on a street in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam welcomed morethan 9 million foreign vacationers in the first seven months of 2018, ayear-on-year rise of 25.4 percent, according to the General Statistic Office.
In July alone, the country greeted over 1.18million international tourists, a month-on-month increase of 0.5 percent.
Holidaymakers from Asian nations made up 77percent of the total number of visitors to Vietnam, up 30.4 percent against thesame month last year.
Most of the Asian markets registered growth inthe number of holidaymakers, including China (up 34.1 percent), the Republic ofKorea (up 56.1 percent), Japan (up 6.2 percent), Taiwan (up 13.3 percent),Malaysia (up 12 percent), Thailand (up 9.9 percent), and Singapore (up 4.7percent).
Meanwhile, the number of European tourists toVietnam rose by 10.4 percent, most of them from Russia.
Vietnam also saw growth in the number ofvisitors from five western European countries which are exempted from visas for15 days namely the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
In 2018, Vietnam aims to serve 16 millioninternational tourists and 80 million domestic holidaymakers, according toGeneral Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen VanTuan.
The tourism sector will promote smart tourismand actively carry out promotion activities in the remaining months of the yearto attract more tourists in key markets, he said.
In 2017, Vietnam welcomed 13 million foreignvisitors, up by three million against the previous year.
In the first half of 2017, the United NationsWorld Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) revealed the world’s top 10 fastest-growingtourist destinations, with Vietnam in sixth position. The Southeast Asiancountry also led Asia-Pacific with growth of 31.2 percent.
The UNWTO described Vietnam as not a stranger totourism with long-standing history, culture, rich cuisine and naturalattractions.
Vietnam also received international tourismawards in 2017. Notably, the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort set arecord as it was honoured as the World’s Leading Luxury Resort for the fourthconsecutive year. Meanwhile, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay was named theWorld’s Best New Resort by the World Travel Awards.-VNA
Foreign visitors have warmly welcomed Vietnam’s continued visa exemptions for guests from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, saying the policy is good for the country to spur tourism.
The number of foreign tourists to Vietnam in the first six months of 2018 surged 27.2 percent year-on-year to 7.89 million, the General Statistics Office announced on June 29.
A ceremony was held in Hanoi on July 9 to honour the top Vietnamese travel businesses and to present the Vietnam Tourism Awards 2018 to enterprises that significantly contributed to the growth of Vietnamese tourism.
A programme will be held in Kaohsiung and Taipei cities in China’s Taiwan from July 24-27 to promote tourism in Vietnam, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).
“Though it has long been heralded as a hip destination, Vietnam’s southern supercity somehow keeps getting cooler” is how Lonely Planet describes Ho Chi Minh City which it has named the third best place to visit in Asia this year.
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.
Foreigners take a selfie on a street in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA) 
