Expanding the market, welcoming the peak season of international visitors

In the first 7 months, the number of international visitors to Vietnam is estimated at nearly 6.6 million, 6.9 times higher than the same period last year and recovered by 67.5% compared to the same period in 2019 - before COVID-19.

International tourists visit the West. Photo: Bao Thu

International market continues to grow

South Korea remained the largest market for visitors in the first seven months of the year with 1.88 million arrivals, accounting for about 30% of total international arrivals. China ranked second with 738,000 arrivals, followed by Taiwan (China) with 415,000 arrivals and Japan with 284,000 arrivals.

July was the first month in 2023 that Vietnam welcomed more than 1 million international visitors, continuing the growth momentum. In terms of the growth momentum of the tourism industry in the month, the European market had the best growth rate, notably Norway (+250.8%), Belgium (+154%), Denmark (+152%), the Netherlands (+44.6%) and Spain (+52.9%).

Besides, a positive signal is that the leading markets sending customers such as: Korea, China, USA, Taiwan (China), Australia all increased compared to June.

According to the General Statistics Office, of the total of more than 6.6 million international visitors to Vietnam in the first 7 months of this year, visitors arriving by air reached more than 5.8 million, accounting for 87.6% of the total number of international visitors to Vietnam and 7 times higher than the same period last year. This shows that aviation activities are continuing to recover.

Specifically, in the first half of 2023, some markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, Australia grew by 10-30% compared to the same period in 2019, the Japanese market recovered approximately the same period in 2019. Some other markets such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe are recovering quickly and especially India (a new market) is growing very quickly, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

Expand market, diversify products

Faced with a volatile post-COVID-19 market, travel businesses must quickly adapt and change their business strategies, exploit diverse products and promote exploitation of new markets.

Vietluxtour representative said that the company promotes eco-tourism to the Mekong Delta, diversifies cross-Vietnam routes, focuses on cultural characteristics, cuisine and uniqueness of destinations to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam tourism compared to Southeast Asian countries in Indochina inter-route programs. In addition to strong markets such as Europe and the US, the company also promotes exploitation of new markets such as Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Australia...

Some typical product lines developed in Ho Chi Minh City include the tour "Ho Chi Minh City - past and present", visiting cultural and historical relics of Saigon Special Forces, ancient architectural works of the City People's Committee office, culinary tours to enjoy delicious dishes at restaurants and eateries certified by Michelin Guide, the tour "Colors of the City Night"...

Mr. Tran The Dung - General Director of Vietluxtour - shared: "Along with factors of market stability, products and effects from promotional and stimulus programs with the aviation and accommodation industries... we expect to complete the recovery plan in 2023 and enter a new growth phase in 2024-2025".

In addition to distant markets, travel businesses are also gradually stepping up exploitation of markets in the Asian region, especially in the context that Chinese tourists have not returned immediately due to changes in spending and travel habits after COVID-19.

Currently, the Indian market is considered a potential “gold mine” for the tourism industry in Southeast Asia in general and Vietnam in particular. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) stated in a recent report that India could become the “next China” to dominate the international tourism market.

Statistics from the General Department of Tourism show that India ranks 9th out of 10 markets sending tourists to Vietnam, with 137,900 arrivals in 2022. The Institute for Tourism Development Research assessed that Indian tourists are considered a potential customer segment but not easy to exploit.

Accordingly, the tourism industry nationwide needs to be ready to organize a team of tourism personnel who understand the culture, living habits of Indian people as well as cuisine. In fact, currently there are not many experienced tour guides serving Indian guests in Vietnam, and business locations serving Indian cuisine are also quite rare.

After only 7 months, the tourism industry has achieved 83% of the yearly plan for international visitors. Therefore, if we can make the most of resources, stimulus events, tourism promotion and the convenience of the new entry policy for international visitors, the tourism industry is fully capable of exceeding the target and welcoming up to 10 million visitors by the end of this year.

Laodong.vn