Russian tourists return to Nha Trang more

After a long absence, Russian tourists are gradually returning to Khanh Hoa, bringing hope for a strong recovery of the province's tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Russian tourists are gradually returning to Khanh Hoa , with Nha Trang City being an ideal destination - Photo: NGUYEN HOANG

On May 28, Mr. Nguyen Van Nhuan - Director of Khanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism - said that in the first 5 months of 2025, the whole province welcomed more than 4.6 million overnight guests, an increase of 19.3% over the same period in 2024 (reaching 39% of the 2025 plan).

Fortunately, Russian tourists are returning in increasing numbers.

Many flights bring Russian tourists to Khanh Hoa

Of which, international visitors are estimated at more than 2.2 million, up 10.8% over the same period, domestic visitors are estimated at nearly 2.4 million, up 28.5% over the same period (reaching 36.4% of the 2025 plan).

Total revenue from tourists is estimated at more than VND 23,651 billion, an increase of 18.2% over the same period in 2024.

Mr. Cung Quynh Anh - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Khanh Hoa province - said that the number of Russian tourists coming to Khanh Hoa is continuing to increase.

In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Khanh Hoa tourism industry welcomed about 49,100 Russian visitors, an increase of 110.74% over the same period in 2024.

According to Mr. Anh, in May 2025, Khanh Hoa will have 16 charter flights and 3 commercial flights/week bringing Russian tourists to Cam Ranh airport.

Russia is one of Khanh Hoa's key markets with a stable number of visitors, an average stay of 7 - 14 days, and a tendency to spend a lot on high-end resort, spa, culinary and entertainment services.

"Khanh Hoa already has a system of hotels, resorts, restaurants and human resources that serve this market well, creating a favorable foundation for a quick recovery," said Mr. Quynh Anh.

Foreign visitors, including Russian visitors, arrive at Cam Ranh International Airport - Photo: NGUYEN HOANG

Overcoming weaknesses to better serve Russian customers

However, Mr. Anh pointed out some weaknesses of Khanh Hoa tourism industry in serving Russian tourists, which is the shortage of tourism workers who can communicate in Russian.

Khanh Hoa is facing fierce competition with many destinations in the region such as Thailand, Maldives, Türkiye - places that are very active in attracting Russian tourists with flexible policies and attractive package tours.

"Currently, Khanh Hoa's tourism products are not yet commensurate with the potential of Russian tourists, especially night tourism products which are currently very lacking and limited," said Mr. Quynh Anh.

Russian tourists play volleyball on Nha Trang beach - Photo: NGUYEN HOANG

Ms. Nguyen Thi Uyen Chi - Vice President of Khanh Hoa Hotel Association - said that travel companies and old partners that brought Russian tourists to Khanh Hoa have started to return and are looking for more tours and more room slots.

To stimulate Russian tourists to return to Khanh Hoa in the summer of 2025, hotels in Nha Trang City have applied many promotions, for example, groups staying for 10 days will receive 1 free night, if staying for a short time, they will receive an additional meal...

"The fact that more Russian guests are returning to Khanh Hoa this summer is a very encouraging sign for hotels in Nha Trang," said Ms. Chi.

Ms. Hoang Thi Phong Thu - Chairwoman of the Board of Members of PEGAS MISR VIETNAM TRAVEL (a company specializing in bringing Russian tourists to Khanh Hoa) - said that in order to properly welcome Russian tourists, travel agencies must prepare human resources, especially tour guides who speak Russian fluently and must have an international tour guide card.

According to Ms. Thu, Russian guests stay an average of 12 days, they like fresh seafood dishes, tropical fruits such as mango, dragon fruit, banana, papaya, passion fruit, coconut, coffee...

"They like to buy light industrial and handicraft products from Vietnam such as ready-made clothes, handbags, pearls, lacquer souvenirs, hand-embroidered items... Nha Trang meets all these needs well," said Ms. Thu.

NGUYEN HOANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/du-khach-nga-tro-lai-nha-trang-nhieu-hon-20250528172745446.htm