Let's dispel the concept of "off-season".
According to data from the National Tourism Administration, in June, the number of international visitors to Vietnam reached over 1.2 million, bringing the total number of international visitors to the country in the past six months to over 8.8 million, an increase of 58.4% compared to the same period last year and 4.1% higher than the same period in 2019.
Foreign tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
According to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, the country is entering the peak season for domestic tourism and the low season for international tourism. However, the number of international visitors in June was still 5.3% higher than the same period in 2019 (before the pandemic). This is a positive sign and exceeds the expectations of the entire industry. With 8.8 million visitors, Vietnam's tourism sector has achieved 50% of its annual target of 17-18 million visitors.
South Korea continued to be Vietnam's largest source of tourists in the first half of 2024 with 2.2 million arrivals (accounting for 25.8%). China ranked second, with 1.8 million arrivals (accounting for 21.4%). These two markets alone contributed 47.2% of the total international tourists to Vietnam in the past six months. In terms of structure, major markets in Northeast Asia were the main drivers of the recovery in international tourist numbers. In particular, the Chinese market recorded a breakthrough increase of 229.4% compared to the same period in 2023, followed by South Korea (up 42.4%), Japan (up 39.2%), etc.
Notably, despite the economic difficulties, the European tourist market continues to grow strongly. Key markets include the UK (up 29.2%), France (up 37.1%), and Germany (up 32.0%). Italian tourists to Vietnam also saw significant increases of 67.2%, Russian tourists (up 75.2%), and Danish tourists (up 32.6%). These are all markets that benefit from Vietnam's unilateral visa exemption policy, allowing temporary stays of up to 45 days, effective from August 15, 2023.
Regarding the recovery compared to 2019, considering markets from different regions, in the first six months of this year, the number of international visitors from most regions exceeded that of the same period in 2019. Specifically, visitors from Australia reached 119% of the same period in 2019; Asia reached 106%; and the Americas reached 103%. Europe has almost fully recovered, reaching 92%.
In South Asia, the promising Indian market experienced breakthrough growth, reaching 312% compared to pre-pandemic levels; similarly, Cambodia reached 396%. Other markets recovering over 100% include Indonesia at 177%, Laos at 140%, the Philippines at 121%, and Singapore at 118%. In Northeast Asia, the large South Korean market recovered well, reaching 110%. However, China has only recovered to 76%, and Japan to 74%.
The National Tourism Administration leaders believe that these results were achieved thanks to a liberal visa policy and effective international tourism promotion activities. The tourism industry expects that in the second half of 2024, the number of international visitors to Vietnam will continue to grow dramatically, contributing to achieving the target of welcoming 17-18 million international visitors this year.
Will tourism fully recover this year?
Mr. Than Huynh Vinh Thuy, Business Director of Yen Tu Tung Lam Company, said that since reopening, Yen Tu has become one of the favorite destinations for Indian tourists. Not only are billionaires coming to hold weddings, but increasingly more groups from the emerging market of over a billion people are coming to experience the unique nature and services at this sacred peak in the northeast.
Recently, Yen Tu Tung Lam has recorded significant growth in visitor numbers from several markets, with consistent bookings from countries such as the US, UK, Spain, and Germany. In addition, relationships with South Korean and Taiwanese tourists remain strong, with very good visitor numbers. Overall, despite this being the peak season for the domestic market, the number of foreign visitors to Yen Tu continues to increase. Mr. Than Huynh Vinh Thuy assessed that this reflects a clear shift in customer trends.
Specifically, in the past, foreign tourists, especially from distant markets like the US and UK, wanted to visit Vietnam largely out of curiosity. Many even wondered if Vietnam was still at war, with war relics being more prominent than scenic landscapes. Over time, information and images of Vietnam as a country with a developing economy, high-class tourism, beautiful nature, and many attractive new tourism products have been increasingly disseminated worldwide . Along with this, a more open and flexible visa policy has made it easier for inbound tourists to visit Vietnam and stay longer. Furthermore, instead of traveling in large groups on big buses to explore, foreign tourists now travel in smaller groups of 20-25 people. They may be families or groups of friends with shared interests such as meditation, yoga, sightseeing, or exploring local culture and history, joining together as a tour group.
“In terms of the majestic mountains and natural beauty, Yen Tu may not be as impressive as many other regions, but we offer unique experiences that they love. It's clear that one of the key factors in diversifying our tourist base is having a rich product range with diverse experiences that meet the actual needs of tourists. Some travel companies have recorded a full recovery rate similar to 2019 in European, Australian, and American markets. However, the largest market, China, remains quite limited, inadvertently dragging down the overall rate,” Mr. Thuy commented.
China is also a market that Mr. Nguyen Minh Man, Director of Communications and Marketing at TST Tourist, still has many concerns about in Vietnam's tourism recovery efforts. Before the pandemic, airlines operated more than 200 flights per week to many provinces and cities in China. Of the 18 million international tourists who came to Vietnam in 2019, about 6 million were Chinese, mostly arriving on charter flights to Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ha Long. Each day, the central provinces could receive around 50-70 charter flights bringing Chinese tourists. But currently, from January to June, the number of Chinese tourists has not yet reached 1 million. Compared to countries like Thailand and Singapore, our recovery speed is quite slow.
“China remains Vietnam’s largest and most irreplaceable tourist market. The target of welcoming 18 million international tourists, and potentially reaching 20 million in 2024, depends significantly on this influx. While the tourism trends of Chinese tourists were unpredictable and forecasts inaccurate in 2023, the situation in 2024 is much clearer. The market of over a billion people has begun to shift, and countries like Thailand and Singapore are quickly implementing strong policies to attract this massive influx. To avoid missing out on opportunities in the battle for this tourist market, Vietnam should also pilot a visa exemption policy for Chinese tourists and some other potential markets, as proposed by businesses and tourism associations. If successful, Vietnam will take another important step in opening up visa services and achieving the goal of welcoming 18-20 million international tourists in 2024,” suggested a representative from TST Tourist.
Currently, most Chinese tourists visiting Vietnam do so for business purposes rather than sightseeing and relaxation. If this market experiences consistent growth, tourism will certainly be able to fully recover this year.
Mr. Than Huynh Vinh Thuy
Thanhnien.vn
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khach-quoc-te-but-pha-185240702223900558.htm
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