Vietnam is quickly becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations, with tourists enjoying Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, beaches, mountain rice terraces, and bustling cities.
According to a Google Destination Insights report, Vietnam ranked seventh as the most searched destination from March to June, making it the only country in Southeast Asia to break into the top 20.
Vietnam’s popularity is reflected in the number of international arrivals. Vietnam’s National Tourism Authority announced in June that the country welcomed more than 5.5 million foreign tourists in the first half of 2023, already exceeding the total number of international arrivals in 2022.
Further increase in tourists is predicted in Vietnam
Vietnam’s tourism sector has set a visitor number target of 8 million for the remainder of 2023, but the tourism board predicts that number is likely to rise to 10 million thereafter. .
Bobby Nguyen, chairman of travel agency Rustic Hospitality Group, told DW that the boost was mainly due to Chinese, Indian and Korean tourists.
“China has restarted its outbound market to Vietnam and the Indian market is growing from 2022 onwards,” he said.
Nguyen added that the use of social media and the influence of large travel groups are also helping to increase Vietnam’s international popularity.
“Having a large number of online communication channels such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and promotion channels such as Google and other networking channels is also the fastest way to promote Vietnam’s image to the world,” he said.
Improvements in Vietnam’s visa policy are expected to boost tourism
Hanoi recently approved a new visa policy for foreign travelers arriving in Hanoi, tripling the visa exemption period for some countries from 15 days to 45 days.
Additionally, for visitors from countries that can apply for an e-visa to Vietnam, the visa is valid for up to 90 days with one or more entries.
The changes will take effect on August 15th.
Preparations underway for the return of Chinese tourists
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Kuala Lumpur-based tourism analyst Gary Bowerman said the visa changes would boost the tourism sector.
“The economy is improving and we will see an increase in tourists to Vietnam over the next six months. Vietnam is doing very well and we are seeing growth, especially now that the Chinese market has come back,” he told DW. I guess so,” he said.
Bowerman said one of Vietnam’s selling points is that it is a lesser-known destination, offering both tourism and business opportunities.
“A lot of young people now want to know a little more about this country. I think there are a lot of things about Vietnam that are not well known. I think Thailand is probably better known. “There is a sense of discovery and mystery in Vietnam. It is a country where people want to invest, do business and travel.”
Vietnam’s travel industry looks to the future
For Vietnam’s travel companies, the new visa policy and the prospect of more foreign arrivals are exciting.
Max Lambert, owner of Hughes Hostels & Travel, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing what happens.”
Hughes launched two hostels in the popular city of Hoi An late last year, but Lambert believes his company is already operating at levels close to pre-pandemic levels.
Hoi An city on the coast of central Vietnam is famous for its lanterns Image: Insung Choi/Zoonar/picture Alliance
“We have seen a significant increase in the number of international guests staying in hostels over the past three months,” he told DW, adding that bookings were back to 2019 levels.
“For our market side, I think the hangover from the coronavirus pandemic is almost over,” he said.
Thailand remains in top position
However, the number of international arrivals to Vietnam is still far from pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, approximately 19 million people arrived from abroad.
Mr Lambert said this meant Vietnam still had a long way to go to match Thailand’s tourism industry.
“Thailand is still growing in numbers. Thailand is the biggest player in the region and it will take a long time for Vietnam to reach that level,” he said.
Tourism operator Nguyen said Vietnam needs to improve in several areas to reach its full potential.
“Tourism is an integrated economy and there must be close coordination between ministries and sectors. Infrastructure, including highways, railways and road systems, is inadequate for the development of tourism,” he said.
“There is a need to re-educate and train new personnel working in the tourism industry to meet the quality of services provided to tourists,” he added.
Thailand is expected to reach 20 million visitors by the end of 2023. However, Thailand’s tourism industry is aiming to return to the levels seen in 2019, when Thailand welcomed a record 39 million international tourists.
Analyst Bowerman said: “Thailand has regained its position as the region’s most visited country and the region’s leading tourism destination, and that will continue to be the case. It’s doing well,” he said.
“But before the pandemic, Vietnam was seen not necessarily as a challenger, but certainly as an emerging power. Vietnam was seen as the next big thing in Southeast Asia tourism, and I think that’s still the case. ” he added.
Editor: Wesley Rahn
