Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is striving toachieve its goal of welcoming 17.5 – 18 million international tourists by theend of 2019, a year earlier than scheduled.
The tourism sector aims to greet 17 – 20 millionforeign visitors by 2020 as targeted under the Poliburo’s Resolution No.8-NQ/TWon developing tourism into a spearhead economy.
It also looks to serve 85 million domestictourists in 2019 and gross nearly 700 trillion VND (30.1 billion USD) inrevenue.
According to the Vietnam NationalAdministration of Tourism (VNAT), the number of international visitors toVietnam in the first six months of 2019 was estimated at 8.5 million, up 7.5percent compared to the same period last year.
In January-June, the tourism sector grossed338.2 trillion VND (14.5 billion USD) in revenue, a year-on-year rise of 8.4percent.
Vu Quoc Tri, Chief of the VNAT’s Office, saidAsian tourists made up 77 percent of total international visitors to Vietnam,up 8.2 percent year-on-year.
Thailand reported remarkable growth with 245,000holidaymakers visiting Vietnam, up 45.5 percent, and was among the top 10markets for visitor numbers.
Exchanges of visitors between Vietnam andThailand have become stronger in recent years thanks to the launch of manydirect flights between the two countries.
The number of visitors to Vietnam from Indonesiarose by 22 percent and the Philippines 20.4 percent.
In the remainder of 2019, the tourism sector willcontinue promoting tourism in key markets such as China, the Republic of Korea,the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Japan, and Europe whilemaintaining growth in other markets like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Russia, the US, WesternEurope and Australia.-VNA
A workshop on drawing high-spending and long-stay tourists took place in Hanoi on May 2 as part of the two-day Vietnam Private Sector Economic Forum 2019, with participants suggesting a range of measures to develop the sector.
Ha Long Bay in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh is one of the most popular attractions place in Asia, according to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Vietnam is one of the five most favourite places of Japanese tourists this summer, according to a survey announced by the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) in early July.
The Vietnam Tourism Association and its chapters in the northern mountainous provinces of Phu Tho, Hoa Binh and Son La provinces are scheduled to launch an anti-plastic-waste action programme from July 15 to 17.
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.
Foreign tourists visit Vietnam (Photo: VNA) 
