Visa waiver effective to promote tourism: JNTO official
Visa waiver is an effective tool to promote tourism among economies, said Yasuto Kawarabayashi, Deputy Director General of the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), on June 19.
Visitors to the Suoi Mooc tourism site in Quang Binh province (Photo: VNA)
Quang Ninh (VNA) – Visa waiveris an effective tool to promote tourism among economies, said YasutoKawarabayashi, Deputy Director General of the Japan National Tourism Organisation(JNTO), on June 19.
Japan has eased visa requirements formany countries, Kawarabayashi told a Vietnam News Agency reporter on thesidelines of the APEC High Level Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Tourism in HaLong city, northern Quang Ninh province.
Speaking of today’s challenges totourism development, the Japanese official said there is not any common strategyfor all APEC economies to cope with the challenges, including climate change.
The answer depends on the real situationin each country; and for Japan, conservation of natural resources remains thecountry’s top priority towards sustainable tourism development, he noted.
He stressed on the importance ofprotecting both natural and cultural heritages and enhancing benefits for notonly tourists but also local communities.
Challenges lie in how to make use of thenatural heritage to attract visitors and protect the heritage at the same time,Kawarabayashi said, citing the fact that Japan has opened many natural foreststo tourists and also managed to preserve them well.
According to the JNTO, Japan welcomes 24million holidaymakers last year and will design new strategies for the countryto achieve 40 million visitors by 2020 and 60 million by 2030.-VNA
The HCM City Tourism Association has asked the Government to extend the visa waiver for tourists from five Western European countries -- France, Italy, Germany, the UK, and Spain.
APEC tourism ministers has reiterated the significant role of tourism, and particularly high value tourists, in stimulating economic growth and fostering connectivity at their meeting in Quang Ninh.
Being favoured by nature with a range of stunning landscapes, clear turquoise sea and spectacular limestone pillars together with numerous tourism investment projects, Quang Ninh boasts huge potential to develop sustainable green tourism.
APEC tourism ministers have convened in Ha Long for their policy dialogue, focusing on promoting sustainable tourism for an inclusive and interconnected Asia-Pacific.
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.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
Visitors to the Suoi Mooc tourism site in Quang Binh province (Photo: VNA) 
