The new version of the forms, which are now available, will help shorten the time needed to fill in the forms, said China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a regular news briefing in Beijing, according to Bloomberg . The applicant now only needs to submit their travel history for a year, instead of five years as previously required. In terms of educational background, it only requires the applicant’s highest academic qualification. Starting from March 15, China fully resumed the issuance of tourist visas, visa exemptions for certain countries, and the use of multiple-entry visas issued before the Covid pandemic. … [Read more...] about China simplifies visa procedures to attract foreign tourists
Bali tourist attractions
Number of international tourists to Vietnam bounces back
According to the Ministry of Culture , Sports and Tourism , since the beginning of this year, the sector has welcomed 8 million international arrivals, reaching the set target. The county expects to receive about 12 million foreign visitors this year. Meanwhile, many travel agencies reported good business results. Tour operator Vietravel revealed that in the first eight months of 2023, the company completed up to 80% of its plan on welcoming international tourists , including those from the EU and the Republic of Korea (RoK). Hanoitourist Corporation said it has received many orders from previous months for this year’s peak season. Vietnam has also experienced an upward trend in the number of foreign visitors, such as Cambodia with a rise of nearly 340 percent, India, over 230 percent, and Laos, nearly 120 percent. Several programs have been carried out to welcome international arrivals, and introduce new tourism products to attract new markets, such as Islamic … [Read more...] about Number of international tourists to Vietnam bounces back
Number of int’l tourists to Vietnam bounces back
Under the amended Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through and Residence in Vietnam, the e-visa validity period is extended to 90 days from 30 days, and for multiple entries. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, since the beginning of this year, the sector has welcomed 8 million international arrivals, reaching the set target. The county expects to receive about 12 million foreign visitors this year. Tour operator Vietravel revealed that in the first eight months of 2023, the company completed up to 80% of its plan on welcoming international tourists, including those from the E.U. and the Republic of Korea (RoK). Hanoitourist Corporation said that it has received many orders from previous months for this year’s peak season. Tourists from Asian countries such as the RoK and Japan and the E.U. account for the majority. Besides, the Indian market has emerged significantly. Meanwhile, Vietlux … [Read more...] about Number of int’l tourists to Vietnam bounces back
German press: Vietnam is a fascinating travel destination
The travel news site Reisereporter has just published an article that highlights some of the famous tourist destinations and landscapes in Vietnam, including Hanoi. In the article titled “Vietnam: You shouldn’t miss these sights”, www.reisereporter.de suggests tourists to visit some hidden "treasures" and undiscovered natural wonders in this wonderful country in the Southeast Asia region, in addition to popular tourist attractions. A Vietnamese girl in her charming ao dai (long dress) and non la (conical hat) walks through the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Yeu Ha Noi According to Daniel Schramm, staff writer for www.reisereporter.de , Vietnam is a fascinating destination with a wide variety of sights and experiences. From historic cities like Hanoi and Hue to stunning natural landscapes like Halong Bay and Sapa to culinary adventures in street kitchens and markets, the country offers something for every taste. Vietnam's … [Read more...] about German press: Vietnam is a fascinating travel destination
Friendly LGBT community destinations in Vietnam
While discrimination remains a barrier for the LGBT community around the world, four destinations in Vietnam have just been recognized as friendly to this community. Vietnam is one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage and recognized transgender rights in 2015. This has demonstrated the government's openness and helped Vietnam become an attractive market for the LGBT community . Vietnam has always been friendly to the LGBTIQ+ community. Everyone should be free to be themselves, no matter who they are, where they live, and who they love. Photo: Adrian Anh Tuấn As part of its mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, no matter who they love or how they identify, and in celebration of Pride 2023, Booking.com is highlighting four LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Vietnam. From vibrant capital cities to tropical beach retreats, these havens encourage LGBTQ+ travelers to express themselves freely. Cam Ranh … [Read more...] about Friendly LGBT community destinations in Vietnam
Nha Trang promises to be a city of cinema tourism
If proper efforts are made, using film to promote tourism in Nha Trang might be successful. The coastal province of Khanh Hoa is like a miniature Vietnam, with diverse cultures, natural conditions and historical buildings. In addition, Khanh Hoa hosts popular film festivals and events that bring together actors and directors from other countries, boosting tourism and becoming an attractive destination like Cannes in France, Busan in South Korea, and Hollywood in the US. Do Le Hung Tu, Chairman of the Vietnam Film Association, shared the view following the success of the 2023 edition of the Golden Kite Film Award , which ended this month. The aerial view of Nha Trang City. Photo: Khanh Hoa Tourism Department Echoing Tu, Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the Golden Kite Film Award is a great opportunity for experts and managers to work together and create new cultural projects to make Khanh Hoa's Nha Trang City a popular … [Read more...] about Nha Trang promises to be a city of cinema tourism
District in Phu Tho province taps into hot springs to boost tourism
Tourists experience the 5-star service at Wyndham Thanh Thuy Mineral Hot Spring Resort in Thanh Thuy district. (Photo: wyndhamthanhthuyresort.net) Phu Tho (VNA) – Boasting hot springs and unique historical and cultural relics , Thanh Thuy district in the northern midland province of Phu Tho is striving to turn tourism into one of its spearhead economic sectors, raising income for local residents. The district has poured capital into upgrading roads that link local key tourism sites with inter-provincial routes to facilitate traveling and attract investment into tourism projects. Thanh Thuy has lured more than 7 trillion VND (286 million USD) into the tourism sector since 2020. Thus, the infrastructure system serving tourism has been gradually improved. High-quality tourism products are being developed, along with building brands for the district’s tourism products. Vuon Vua Resort & Villas, a popular destination in Thanh Thuy district (Photo: … [Read more...] about District in Phu Tho province taps into hot springs to boost tourism
Community tourism development associated with cultural identity preservation
Van Ho district in Son La province is bestowed with a cool climate and forest coverage of over 56%. The district is often compared to famous tourism destinations such as Sa Pa, Tam Dao, or Da Lat. Visitors to Van Ho will have the chance to breathe fresh air and admire beautiful tourist attractions such as Chieng Yen hot springs and Xuan Nha ancient forest. All of the residents in Hua Tat village in Van Ho commune are from the Mong ethnic minority. The village now has seven homestays providing accommodation services. Of particular note is the A Chu homestay, which won the 2019 ASEAN Homestay award for excellent tourist destinations. Local resident Trang A Chu has been a pioneer in developing community-based tourism in the village. Many households in the village have followed in Trang A Chu’s footsteps. The breath of fresh air from community tourism has changed the lives of the local Mong ethnic minority people. Many households have thrived through running orchards and offering … [Read more...] about Community tourism development associated with cultural identity preservation
World Bank aids 130 million USD to help Nghe An province improve life quality
The World Bank in Vinh city helps strengthen flood resilience and improve sanitation, transport and public space infrastructure. (Photo: VietnamPlus) Hanoi (VNA) - The World Bank Board of Directors on July 31 approved a project worth 129.6 million USD to strengthen flood resilience and improve sanitation, transport, and public space infrastructure in Nghe An province's Vinh city - a political, economic, and cultural centre of the north-central coastal region. The project is expected to directly benefit 250,000 residents in Vinh city’s urban core by reducing flood risk and improving public health. Once completed, the project will connect 30,000 households to new or rehabilitated secondary and tertiary sewers. Another important aspect to the project includes cutting in half the time women have to spend on unpaid labor as housework after flooding, including cleaning. The project will contribute to climate adaptation by reducing damage from heavy rains, and to climate … [Read more...] about World Bank aids 130 million USD to help Nghe An province improve life quality
Vietnam’s 9 UNESCO world heritage sites
1. Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago The Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago boasts limestone islands and lush islands, creating its unique natural charm. Photo by VnExpress/Tran Dat On September 16, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee added the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago to its list of world natural heritage sites. This latest recognition brings Vietnam's tally to three natural heritages, five cultural heritages, and a mixed natural and cultural property. According to the Department of Cultural Heritage, the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago earned UNESCO recognition due to its natural beauty, which includes limestone islands cloaked in foliage and limestone peaks rising above sea level. The area's vistas, featuring lush islands, saltwater lakes, and limestone cliffs, contribute to its unique appeal. 2. Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay itself has received UNESCO accolades twice before. In 1994, it was designated … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s 9 UNESCO world heritage sites