Foreign arrivals to Vietnam plummet 79 percent in 2020
Vietnam welcomed only 3.8 million foreign arrivals in 2020, down 78.7 percent from last year, as a result of the serious impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
A view of Bai Dai Beach on Phu Quoc Island, a famous tourist destination in Kien Giang province (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam welcomed only 3.8 million foreignarrivals in 2020, down 78.7 percent from last year, as a result of the serious impactof the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry, according to the GeneralStatistics Office (GSO).
Over 96 percent came to the country in the first quarter, before socialdistancing measures were imposed.
As the country has yet to reopen to international tourists, most foreignarrivals since the second quarter have been experts and skilled personnelworking in projects in the country.
In December alone, the number of foreign arrivals was down 8.1 percentmonth-on-month and 99 percent year-on-year.
For the year as a whole, foreign visitors coming by air accounted for80.3 percent of the total, down 78.6 percent against 2019, by road down 81.9percent, and by sea down 45.2 percent.
Those from Asia made up 73.3 percent of the total, down 80.4 percent,the GSO said, noting that arrivals from all main markets nose-dived, includingChina, down 83.5 percent, the Republic of Korea 80.4 percent, Japan 78.4percent, Taiwan (China) 78.8 percent, Cambodia 46.6 percent, and Malaysia 80.7percent.
Meanwhile, visitors from Europe fell 69 percent and America 75.7 percentcompared to 2019, the GSO reported.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) said the country holdsmany advantages from bringing COVID-19 under control quickly. Domestic travelstimulus programmes have been widely promoted to realise the twin targets offighting the outbreak and recovering the economy.
Online tourism marketing and communications increased due to thepandemic, VNAT noted, adding that it will boost investment in e-marketing andcooperation with major tech firms around the world to apply the most modern technologiesin the tourism sector./.
Hanoi is expected to welcome 13.16-19.04 million tourists in 2021, up 45-65.5 percent as compared with the previous year, according to a scenario put forth by the municipal tourism sector.
Stories about heritages in the northern province of Quang Ninh were told through a show of 17 collections of Ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress) at Quang Ninh 2020 Ao dai festival organised in Cam Pha city on December 26.
The number of visitors increased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, while total tourism revenue surged by 48.8%, or nearly 88% of the year’s target.
“There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines,” according to Lonely Planet.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
A view of Bai Dai Beach on Phu Quoc Island, a famous tourist destination in Kien Giang province (Photo: VNA) 
