Vietnam ranked 19th in a list of 40 most visited countries based on an analysis of flight bookings between July 1 and August 31 by Spain-based travel data and analytics company ForwardKeys. Most Southeast Asian countries, except Thailand, stood behind Vietnam on the list, including the Philippines at 23rd, Singapore 24th, Indonesia 27th, and Malaysia 36th. Thailand was 14th and one of the only two Southeast Asian countries to break into the top 20 along with Vietnam. The number of foreign tourists arriving in Vietnam by air this summer jumped 12% over the same period last year but was 28% lower than pre-pandemic levels, the report said. Vietnam welcomed 2.3 million international visitors in July and August, equivalent to 80% of the figure during the same period in 2019. Of these, nearly 2 million visitors arrived by air, about 88% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Starting August 15, Vietnam's new immigration policy accepts … [Read more...] about Vietnam world’s 19th most visited destination this summer
Reimagining tourism how vietnam can accelerate travel recovery
Vietnam’s international tourism to bounce back in late 2024
Hoi An - an attractive destination to foreign tourists (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) - By the end of 2024, international tourism in Vietnam can recover and reach 80% of the pre-pandemic level in an optimistic scenario, heard a workshop on Vietnam tourism 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City on September 21. The event, themed “Lessons Learned from Target and Recovery”, was jointly by The Outbox Company - a market intelligence company based in Vietnam , specialising in travel, hospitality, destination and tourism, and the Saigontourist Group. Nguyen Anh Thu, Chief Research Officer of The Outbox Company , said that the world tourism reached 80% of the pre-COVID-19 level in the first quarter of 2023 thanks to positive results in Europe and the Middle East. In Vietnam, the tourism industry has tapped the domestic market as "leverage" to stimulate demand, as the international tourist market has recovered quite slowly. Thu suggested the sector have changes in tourism recovery and … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s international tourism to bounce back in late 2024
Vietnam’s Binh Dinh seeks to recover 4ha of coral reefs
The agriculture sector in Binh Dinh Province, located in south-central Vietnam, proposed the recovery of four hectares of coral reefs in Quy Nhon Bay during a working session with the United Nations Development Program on Tuesday. The coral reef restoration is part of the 'Smart Coastal Communities Adapting to Climate Change in Vietnam' project in Binh Dinh, director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Van Phuc said. In the framework of the project, the province will form a marine reserve in Quy Nhon Bay and recover four hectares of coral reefs in the bay, belonging to Nhon Ly, Nhon Hai, and Nhon Chau Communes as well as Ghenh Rang Ward in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh. The Binh Dinh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development surveyed the marine environment in Quy Nhon Bay and planned to recover the coral reefs there to regenerate the marine ecosystem and environment while serving tourism, Phuc added. A splendid coral reef in Nhon … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s Binh Dinh seeks to recover 4ha of coral reefs
Vietnam news in brief – September 24
Check out the latest news about Vietnam. Japanese Crown Prince and Princess visit Hoi Anh ancient town Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited Hoi An Ancient Town on September 23 and attended several art performances at the Japanese Cultural Center. The two then walked through the streets of Hoi An and visited the Cau Pagoda, which is under renovation and was built by Japanese merchants in the 17th century to pray for prosperity, peace, and stability. Vietnam Design Week 2023 opens at Hanoi's Temple of Literature The fourth edition of Vietnam Design Week 2023 kicks off tonight (September 24) at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi . The event features a design fair that brings together designers, businesses, and customers, showcasing products in interior design, handicrafts, fashion, and communication. Vietnam Design Week 2023 will run until September 29. Other major activities include the Designed by Vietnam contest, the Design of the Year Awards, … [Read more...] about Vietnam news in brief – September 24
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
Thai experts assist Mekong Delta province in community-based tourism development
From September 20 - 21, they visited the districts of Binh Dai, Ba Tri, Thanh Phu, and Cho Lach to experience tourism activities linked with the mangrove forest ecosystem, those typical for the water-connected culture in the Mekong Delta, and the ornamental flower village of Cho Lach. Through the trip, they assessed the capacity and learned the wishes of local households to help with sustainable development of community-based tourism. A representative of the Thai Consulate General in HCMC said the project in Ben Tre will help improve the capacity of both local tourism manpower and people engaging in community-based tourism. It will also assist them to improve skills in developing a community-based tourism ecosystem, managing community-based tourism supply and demand, and increasing the value of the products and services imbued with local communities’ identities. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, deputy director of the Ben Tre Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the province … [Read more...] about Thai experts assist Mekong Delta province in community-based tourism development
Vietnam world’s 40th best country for ‘comfortable’ retirement
Vietnam stood behind its Southeast Asian neighbors such as Thailand (18th), the Philippines (27th), Singapore (29th), Malaysia (31st) and Indonesia (39th) where retirement visas have already been offered for years. However, it was placed higher than South Korea (50th), Cambodia (52nd), China (62nd) and Myanmar (75th) in the region. The ranking was based on a global survey of more than 17,000 people recording their perceptions on several factors: affordability, favorable tax environment, friendliness, pleasant climate, respect for property rights and a well-developed public health system. This year, Switzerland was voted the best country for retirees, followed by Portugal and Australia. Last year, Vietnam ranked 39th among 85 destinations. Cheap living costs, high-quality healthcare and low levels of violent crime have pushed Vietnam's reputation as an ideal choice for foreign retirees. Tourism industry insiders believe Vietnam has a great opportunity to become a paradise … [Read more...] about Vietnam world’s 40th best country for ‘comfortable’ retirement
Visa study shed lights on Vietnam travel trends
The Global Intentions Study 2023 surveys more than 40,000 consumers globally across 37 markets on their recent travel in the past 12 months and intention to travel in the next 12 months. The study fieldwork was conducted from April 2023 to June 2023. Vietnam, a country of vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has become a favoured destination for travellers from across the globe. As the world transitions into a new era of post-pandemic exploration, understanding the changing trends in the Vietnamese travel landscape is crucial for travellers and industry stakeholders. “For more than a decade, the Global Travel Intentions Study has equipped Visa and its partners, in Vietnam and worldwide, with unparalleled insights on the travel and payment landscape. This invaluable knowledge allows operators in the industry to plan and execute effective strategies to satisfy consumer demands and grow their businesses, and reinforces Visa’s commitment to creating a cashless … [Read more...] about Visa study shed lights on Vietnam travel trends
Vietnam news in brief – September 23
Check out the latest events in Vietnam. Standard Chartered forecasts Vietnam's Q3 GDP to show continued recovery Standard Chartered Bank forecasts Vietnam's Q3 GDP growth to pick up to 5.1% y/y from 4.1% y/y in Q2, according to its latest global research report titled "Vietnam Macro: Q3 GDP to show ongoing recovery". September data is likely to show a slight improvement from August, supported by retail sales. The bank expects September retail sales growth to remain robust at 8.2% yoy, while exports to fall 6.2% yoy, imports to fall 7% y/y, and industrial production growth to pick up to 3.2% y/y. The bank maintained its GDP growth forecast for 2023 at 5.4%. Vietnam to join nearly 30 tourism stimulus programs in 2024 Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai Province attracts a large number of tourists. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times The Vietnam National Tourism Authority and the Vietnam Tourism Development Fund under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and … [Read more...] about Vietnam news in brief – September 23
Vietnam news in brief – September 21
Check out the latest events in Vietnam. Vietnam Friendship Medal bestowed on Franco-Vietnamese vaccine specialist Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presents the medal to Aurélia Nguyen in New York on Sept 20 (local time). Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 20 (local time) presented the Vietnam Friendship Medal to high-ranking global vaccine expert Aurélia Nguyen in New York for her efforts and contribution to Vietnam's success in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. The Franco-Vietnamese vaccine expert is the Chief Program Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Aurélia was one of the key people who helped Vietnam receive 70 million vaccine doses from the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) initiative. COVAX had pledged some 38.9 million doses to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City commemorates Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations A ceremony was held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 20 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of … [Read more...] about Vietnam news in brief – September 21