Promoting European tourism is a strategic move

Impressive growth from European market

According to data from Agoda, the number of accommodation searches in Vietnam by European travelers in April 2024 increased by 66% compared to the same period last year. Vietnam became the third fastest growing destination in Asia, after Malaysia and Japan. Of which, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Spain were the leading markets in terms of interest and bookings.

The number of European tourists to Vietnam has increased sharply.

The three most popular destinations for European tourists are Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An and Nha Trang thanks to the harmonious combination of relaxation, cultural exploration and unique cuisine .

Mr. Nguyen Minh Man, Communications Director of TST Tourist Company, shared that European tourists are not looking for short-term experiences, they want long, quality journeys, good service and cultural depth. This is a high-spending customer segment and has great potential if Vietnam exploits it properly.

From August 15, 2023, Vietnam has extended the unilateral visa exemption period to 45 days for citizens of many European countries, and expanded the scope of e-visa application. Thanks to that, the number of visitors from this market increased sharply in the first quarter of 2024, contributing to the total of more than 4.6 million international visitors to Vietnam.

European travelers want long, quality, well-served, culturally immersive journeys.

Mr. Tran Trong Kien, Chairman of the National Tourism Advisory Board (TAB), assessed that simplifying entry procedures is a key factor helping Vietnam compete with Thailand, Indonesia or Malaysia in the race to attract European tourists.

Faced with the wave of European tourists returning, many businesses have proactively designed long-term tourism products, focusing on sustainable experiences, high-end resorts and local exploration . The tours last from 8 to 14 days, connecting many destinations such as Hanoi - Ha Long - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho, combined with resorts in Phu Quoc or Nha Trang.

Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thuy, CEO of Indochina Voyages, said that we prioritize private tours for European guests, focusing on 4-star services or higher, French or German-speaking tour guides, combined with activities such as cooking classes, kayaking, going to traditional markets... because tourists are very interested in local cultural life.

In addition, major travel companies such as Saigontourist, Vietravel, and Fiditour are also actively participating in international fairs in Berlin, Paris, and Milan to promote the image of Vietnamese tourism. Many businesses have signed cooperation agreements with leading European travel agencies such as Studiosus Reisen (Germany) or Kuoni Global Travel Services (Switzerland) to boost sales of Vietnam tours in the summer of 2024.

Tourism is a strategically oriented economic spearhead.

Since 2017, Resolution 08-NQ/TW of the Politburo has identified tourism development as a spearhead economic sector. The Government aims for tourism to contribute 12-14% of GDP by 2030. In 2023, total revenue from tourists will reach about VND678,000 billion - equivalent to 5.5% of GDP, creating direct and indirect jobs for more than 4 million workers.

Notably, European tourists, who often spend a lot of money and stay long, are identified as the main driving force to increase revenue and improve the quality of Vietnam's tourism. In addition, tourism also plays a role in spreading economic development in rural and mountainous areas, which are rich in natural and cultural tourism resources.

European tourists bring in large revenues, strong brand value and are a bridge for sustainable development.

Mr. Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, emphasized that focusing on developing the European market is a smart strategy. European tourists are not noisy but they bring in large revenue, strong brand value and are a bridge for sustainable development.

Towards a sustainable tourism ecosystem

To take advantage of the opportunity, Vietnam's tourism industry needs to continue investing in infrastructure, improving service quality and protecting the environment. In particular, it is necessary to create conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in the service supply chain from homestays, restaurants, transportation to tour guides... in a professional and international standard direction.

Photo: Lam - AI

In addition, digital transformation in management, sales and promotion is also an inevitable trend. Many businesses such as Lux Group or Vidotour have deployed digital tour tools, virtual experiences and online interactions to reach European customers more effectively.

Recently, at the Salone Dei Tessuti Exhibition Center (Milan, Italy), Vietnam Airlines officially announced the launch of a direct flight connecting Hanoi and Milan. The event took place within the framework of the Vietnam - Europe Tourism Promotion Program, opening up opportunities to strongly promote tourism and economic cooperation between Vietnam and Italy.

Photo: Lam - AI

With an open policy, the decisive participation of enterprises and a clear strategic direction from the Party and the State, Vietnam has a great opportunity to affirm its position on the international tourism map. Although the European market is difficult and difficult to access, if well exploited, it will become a stable source of income, helping Vietnam's tourism truly become a spearhead economic sector in the coming period.

Source: https://thoibaonganhang.vn/day-manh-thu-hut-du-khach-chau-au-la-buoc-di-chien-luoc-163901.html