Vietnam Insider

According to the National Tourism Agency, the total number of international tourists to Vietnam in 2023 is estimated to reach 12.5 million, exceeding the set target (8 million) and achieving the adjusted goal (12.5-13 million).

International visitors visit and shop at Ho Chi Minh City Book Street. Photo: Hong Dat/TTXVN.

At the workshop on the implementation of state management on tourism in 2023, organized by the National Tourism Agency of Vietnam (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) on December 21 in Hanoi, Deputy Director of the National Tourism Agency of Vietnam Pham Van Thuy emphasized that after two years of severe impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam’s tourism has recovered and accelerated, meeting expectations.

In 2023, just after 10 months, the number of international visitors to Vietnam has surpassed the set plan, and the industry has proposed to increase the target for international arrivals to 12.5-13 million. At this moment, the entire industry has achieved the expected results.

According to the National Tourism Agency of Vietnam, the total number of international tourists to Vietnam in 2023 is estimated to reach 12.5 million, exceeding the set target (8 million) and achieving the adjusted goal (12.5-13 million).

The number of domestic tourists is estimated at 108 million, exceeding by 5.8%; total tourism revenue is estimated at 672 trillion VND, exceeding by 3.38% compared to the 2023 plan. The image of Vietnamese tourism has been enhanced and clearly positioned on the world map, and competitiveness continues to improve.

In 2023, the National Tourism Agency of Vietnam was honored with the title “Top Tourism Management Agency in Asia for 2023” for the fourth time. At the global awards ceremony, Vietnam was once again recognized by the World Travel Awards (WTA) as the “Leading Heritage Destination in the World,” and many destinations and tourism businesses received various prestigious awards…

However, it must be candidly acknowledged that there are still shortcomings and bottlenecks in the development of tourism, both in state management and business aspects, that need to be addressed. It is noteworthy that the phenomenon of foreigners working as unlicensed guides persists, and some Vietnamese businesses violate laws in tourism activities (operating without a license, not meeting legal requirements, violations related to financial conditions, tour guides, false advertising)…

Some tourist destinations still face issues such as poor hygiene, inadequate security conditions, and insufficient capacity to serve tourists during peak periods. There is a need for organizing a national-scale program to introduce Vietnam’s tourism, creating resonance and gathering participation from various localities and businesses in target markets…

The National Tourism Agency of Vietnam outlines various tasks to be implemented in the coming period, including strengthening the management of tourist areas, points of interest, and conserving and leveraging the natural and cultural values for sustainable tourism development.

Destinations should ensure security and safety for tourists, with a particular focus on environmental hygiene and food safety. Encouraging the participation of the public and businesses in building a cultural, civilized, friendly, and hospitable tourism environment is crucial, where “each citizen is a tourism ambassador.”

Stakeholders need to enhance inspections and supervision, especially in ensuring compliance with simplified tourism business conditions. Localities should develop plans and tasks related to environmental protection in tourist areas, raise public awareness of environmental education and the preservation and reverence of historical and cultural sites, and natural landscapes.

Another important task highlighted by the National Tourism Agency of Vietnam is the comprehensive and effective implementation of partnerships. Specifically, there is a need to leverage the guiding role of the national tourism agency and the leadership role of major tourism centers (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, Thua Thien-Hue, Khanh Hoa…) to form interconnected regions and growth drivers for tourism (Hanoi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh; Hanoi-Northern mountainous provinces; Hanoi with Central provinces, Hue-Da Nang; Khanh Hoa-Ninh Thuan-Lam Dong, Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding areas; Can Tho-Ca Mau-Kien Giang), creating “one route, many destinations.”

Relevant parties should strengthen public-private cooperation under a market mechanism spirit of “harmonious interests, shared risks,” and implement effective mechanisms and policies to mobilize resources from businesses, especially large enterprises, for tourism development.

On the other hand, agencies need to enhance the quality of advice, innovate thinking on tourism management and development, and create favorable conditions for night-time economic development associated with tourism, following the principle of “Government, businesses, and people working together for tourism development.”

@Znews

Overcoming the leading names in Vietnamese tourism, the destinations in this Central Vietnam heritage journey are the most sought after by Vietnamese travelers for the year-end holiday season.

According to data from a leading global online booking application, during the Christmas, Western New Year, and Lunar New Year holidays in 2024, Vietnamese tourists particularly favor coastal domestic vacations, with 5 out of the top 10 most searched destinations located near the coast.

Additionally, two major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are among the top 5 most searched destinations by Vietnamese travelers for the year-end festive season. The data, collected from December 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, is based on the booking volume by Vietnamese tourists for domestic travel programs.

Da Lat is behind Hoi An in the list of most searched for by Vietnamese tourists

Recently, the renowned Australian newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald honored Vietnam as one of the top 5 ideal destinations in the world to celebrate the New Year with family and friends.

“For those seeking a tranquil overseas holiday with beautiful landscapes, shopping opportunities, excellent cuisine, diverse culture, and rich history, Vietnam stands out as a remarkable choice,” the newspaper remarked.

Furthermore, foreign tourists no longer need to worry excessively as Vietnam’s transportation system is continuously improving. In addition, there are professionally organized tour activities, as well as numerous luxurious resorts and hotels. Vietnam’s gateway cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are both incredibly attractive, representing the bustling entrepreneurial energy.

The Australian newspaper suggests that travelers explore the rural areas to discover expansive rice fields and rustic villages against the backdrop of lush hills. Since both Northern and Southern Vietnam offer distinctly different experiences, SMH encourages travelers to spend at least 10 days exploring.

December marks the beginning of the dry season in the South and is an ideal time to explore the water landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Along with floating markets, abundant bird flocks, and water meadows, tourists should not miss the beautiful area around Chau Doc, near the Cambodia border.

In Hanoi during this time of the year, visitors can expect warm sunny days with low humidity, although nights may be chilly. According to the author Michael Gebicki, the northern hills of Vietnam, especially cold in December, provide tourists with a tropical snowfall experience.

Other destinations on the list include Nepal, Maldives, Cambodia, and India.

@Vietnamnet

Visitors exploring the Tien Son Cave will check in at unique resting points adorned with eco-friendly canopies and native climbing flowers, along with captivating stone mountain flower paths.

Magical scenery inside Tien Son cave. Photo: Vinh Loc district website.

According to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in Vietnam, South Korea is expected to welcome up to 420,000 Vietnamese tourists throughout the year 2023, marking the highest number among Southeast Asian countries.

Specifically, from January to November this year, over 386,900 Vietnamese tourists have visited South Korea, accounting for 74% of the number recorded during the same period in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and representing a 139.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

Vietnamese tourists are classified as a leading group in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) category in the South Korean market within the Southeast Asian region, with more than 38,400 MICE visitors to South Korea in November.

Many Vietnamese families choose Korea as a familiar destination. Photo: GĐCC

According to Mr. Lee Jae Hoon, the representative of KTO, approximately 3.6 million South Koreans visited Vietnam in 2023, making them the largest source of foreign tourists for Vietnam.

Vietnam has become a top priority market for South Korea due to the close ties in politics, economy, culture, and tourism.

To achieve the goal of welcoming 10 million international tourists in 2023, KTO has implemented a series of activities to diversify its tourism market, focusing on attracting visitors from the Southeast Asian region.

Next year, the organization will promote South Korea as an excellent tourist destination for international tourists, including those from Vietnam, through various activities and programs.

@Vietnamnet

The capital city of Hanoi experienced a remarkable surge in tourist numbers in 2023, with 24 million visitors coming to the city.

This figure represents a 27% increase compared to the previous year and has reached 83% of the tourist volume recorded in 2019. This not only injected new life into the local economy but also demonstrated the long-term allure of Hanoi as a potential tourist destination.

One of the notable achievements in Hanoi’s tourism in 2023 is the significant increase in international tourist arrivals, surpassing 4 million. This figure reflects an impressive growth of 138.1% compared to the previous year and reached 57% of the pre-pandemic level in 2019. The influx of international tourist capital reflects Hanoi’s recovery capability and its ability to attract global visitors, even in the midst of global instability.

The number of international tourists to Hanoi increased dramatically with more than 4 million. Photo: Lonely Planet

The city welcomed 20 million domestic tourists in 2023, a 16% increase from the previous year, and recorded an impressive recovery rate of 91% compared to the pre-pandemic level in 2019. The rise in domestic tourism indicates the increasing interest of local residents in exploring the country’s important cultural and historical treasures.

The increased number of tourists has had a significant impact on boosting Hanoi’s economy. The total revenue from tourism in 2023 is estimated to be nearly VND 87.7 trillion (USD 3.65 billion), accounting for a substantial 45.5% increase compared to 2022. This noteworthy economic recovery also signifies that 84.4% of the tourism revenue recorded in 2019 has been reached, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of Hanoi’s tourism industry in the face of challenges.

The impressive growth in both domestic and international tourism, coupled with a substantial economic impact, emphasizes Hanoi’s position as a cultural and economically prosperous hub for the entire country.

@Vietnamnet