The Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam opens a a centre for receiving visa applications to European countries in Da Nang city. (Photo: tuoitre.vn) Da Nang (VNA) – The Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam held a ceremony to open a centre for receiving visa applications to European countries, including Belgium, Germany and Italy, in the central city of Da Nang on March 22. The centre is located at the ACB Building in Phuoc Ninh ward of the city’s Hai Chau district, and scheduled to begin official operation on March 25. A representative of the Belgian Embassy said the number of Schengen visa applications in Vietnam has risen significantly over the years, attributable to the country’s rapid economic growth as well as increasing demand for business trips and travelling. The centre is expected to facilitate visa applications to Belgium, Germany and Italy by people in Da Nang and surrounding areas. It will provide information on visa procedures and other services such as … [Read more...] about Centre for visa applications to Europe launched in Da Nang
Official vietnam visa website
Vietnam tourism hamstrung by lack of funds for marketing
The International Tourism Fair was held in HCMC last September by the tourism ministry and the city. Originally meant to attract visitors to the country, the fair, over the last 14 years, has instead become a place for foreign tourism agencies to find outbound Vietnamese tourists. At Japan and South Korea's tourism booths, guests get to try on traditional costumes. The Japanese booth was the biggest one this year. It and those of Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea dazzled with their modern design and eye-catching images that drew visitors like a magnet. The Cambodian booth had an idol of a four-sided god and a full-sized replica of a temple, and entertained visitors with non-stop music and dance performances. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism's (VNAT) booth on the other hand barely distinguished itself from last year with the agency thinking large photos of tourist attractions would suffice. Meagre tourism promotion budget At many meetings, VNAT leaders said the … [Read more...] about Vietnam tourism hamstrung by lack of funds for marketing
Vietnam’s online tourism to thrive
Sapa is a must-visit destination in Vietnam. - VNA/VNS Photo Huong Thu In the modern world it just took a few clicks online and a whole world of hospitality choices appeared before her eyes. She is one of the 71 per cent of the 13 million visitors to Vietnam last year to arrange all her travel online. These are the figures released in a survey on tourists carried out by Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM). But the results also reveal as most of the online booking agents are based outside of Viet Nam, local businesses need support to keep up. “We had never experienced Airbnb abroad together so we just want to try. Staying overnight with friends in one room seemed to be fun,” she told Vietnam News. “In Sapa, as there was no Airbnb, so we chose a hotel with a beautiful mountain view through booking.com,” she said. Arriving in the nation’s capital, she booked a homestay in Hanoi via airbnb.com. Detailed information was what Bow embraced the most. Even … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s online tourism to thrive
VNAT launches website for tourists
VNAT launches website for touristsBy Dao Loan Visitors pose for a photograph at Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoian - PHOTO: DAO LOAN HCMC – The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has launched an official website, https://www.vietnam.travel, which provides useful information for tourists visiting Vietnam, such as visa procedures, preferable itineraries and recommendations for first-time visitors to the country. The website also offers information on tourist destinations, recommended places to go, things to do and special deals or promotional programs at hotels and travel agencies throughout the country. In addition, visitors can watch 360-degree videos featuring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. At Hoian Ancient Town, for instance, they can not only view stunning images of the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tran Phu Street and the interiors of ancient houses but can also learn more about the town’s history, such as who built the bridge and when. The … [Read more...] about VNAT launches website for tourists
Foreign tourism to Vietnam surges
New perspective: The Ha Long Bay Seaplane Tour provided by Hai Au Aviation Company. The tour is included on the new travel website by VNAT. - Photo vietnam.travel Among the 7.9 million of foreign tourists to Vietnam, Chinese tourists accounted for the majority (4.1 million). Total income from tourism was estimated at VND312 trillion (US$13.5 billion), an increase of 22.5 per cent in comparison with the same period last year. Arrivals by air, road, and sea in the reviewed period recorded annual increases of 22.2 per cent, 63.7 per cent and 1.7 per cent, respectively, while growth was also seen in the numbers of visitors from all five continents. More than 93 per cent of interviewed foreign tourists said they were satisfied with their trips to Viet nam, according to the Vietnam Annual Tourism Report 2017 announced on Thursday by the VNAT. It distributed 27,000 feedback forms to foreigners at 12 international bordergates nationwide, including four airports, four land border gates and … [Read more...] about Foreign tourism to Vietnam surges