While only 7 percent of online travel sales in Vietnam were made on mobile devices last year, the number grew rapidly at a 58.1 percent compound annual growth rate in the 2013-16 period, presenting a major growth opportunity.
More Vietnamese are using their mobile devices for travel purchases, presenting a growth opportunity for online travel agents (Photo: Hostelworld)
HCM City (VNS/VNA) - While only 7 percent of online travel sales in Vietnamwere made on mobile devices last year, the number grew rapidly at a 58.1 percentcompound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the 2013-16 period, presenting a majorgrowth opportunity, according to a Euromonitor International study.
Euromonitor, a provider of strategic marketresearch, surveyed a sample of 150 Vietnamese to analyse the online travellandscape as well as browsing and purchase behaviours. Commissioned byperformance marketing firm Criteo, the survey was conducted to help travelbusinesses and online travel agents identify and adopt digital strategies thatwill attract customers.
“Travel expenditures in Vietnam will riserapidly due to increasing disposable incomes and growing middle-classaffluence," said Alban Villani, general manager of Criteo Southeast Asia,Hong Kong and Taiwan. "Vietnam is a mobile-first society, and for 2017,the number of smart phone users in the country is expected to reach 28.5million, and 37.8 million by 2020."
Last year, Vietnamese took 6.9 millioninternational trips and 52.8 million domestic trips, while expenditures onleisure and recreation from now to 2020 are expected to grow at a 7.7 percentCAGR.
In the 2011-16 period, online travel salesgrew at an 18.3 percent CAGR and totalled over 27 million USD in earnings in2016. Mobile travel sales, which outpaced the growth of online travel sales,are expected to see a 22.4 percent CAGR from now to 2020.
Villani said that travel websites andonline travel agents should focus on providing a user-friendly mobile experiencethat is easy to navigate with add-on features and secure payment methods.
To drive transactions, they need to engagewith shoppers during the discovery, search and booking phases, and re-engagethem across all devices after they leave websites, he added.-VNA
One billion VND (45,000 USD) will be granted for e-tourism initiatives to promote Vietnam ’s tourism to international markets, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Google and Singaporean sovereign fund Temasek have forecast the Vietnamese online tourism services market to be worth 9 billion USD by 2020, and said local companies should work quickly or risk losing the market to international 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.
More Vietnamese are using their mobile devices for travel purchases, presenting a growth opportunity for online travel agents (Photo: Hostelworld) 
