As tourism recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, industry experts say, Vietnam is becoming a favorite destination of tourists when coming to Asia.
International tourists stroll in Hanoi on the afternoon of the 30th of Tet. Photo: Hai Nguyen
Attractive destination
Vietnam has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia tourists enjoy diverse landscapes, beaches, rice terraces and bustling cities, DW reports.
According to a Google Destination Insights report, Vietnam was the 7th most searched destination from March to June 3 and the only country in Southeast Asia to make it into the top 6.
The popularity of Vietnam is reflected in the number of international visitors. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism announced that it welcomed more than 5,5 million foreign visitors in the first six months of 2023, exceeding the total number of international visitors in 2022.
Branch Vietnam tourism aims to welcome 8 million visitors for the remainder of 2023, however, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism predicts this number will likely increase to 10 million.
Bobby Nguyen - Chairman of Rustic Hospitality Group - said that the increase mainly came from Chinese, Indian and Korean tourists.
"China has reopened the outbound market to Vietnam and the Indian market has grown since 2022," said Bobby Nguyen, adding that the use of social media and the influence of large tour groups have also helped boost Vietnam's popularity in the international arena.
"Having many online media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, advertising channels on Google or other online channels is also the fastest way to promote Vietnam's image to the world," he said.
Vietnam recently approved New visa policy for international visitors, tripling the visa-free period from 15 to 45 days for some countries and territories.
And for visitors from countries eligible to apply for an e-visa to Vietnam, the e-visa will be upgraded from 30 days to 3 months, valid for single or multiple entries.
The changes will take effect on August 15.8.
Gary Bowerman, a travel analyst in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, said the visa changes will boost the tourism industry.
Mr. Bowerman told DW: “Visitors are increasing and in the next six months, the number of tourists to Vietnam will certainly increase even more. I think the growth will be very strong, especially when the Chinese market is back.”
According to Mr. Bowerman, one of the attractions is that Vietnam offers both tourism and business opportunities.
“Many young people now want to learn more about this country. I think there are many things about Vietnam that are unknown. Many people want to explore Vietnam. It's a country where a lot of people want to invest, do business and travel," he added.
Travel companies in Vietnam are excited about the new visa policy and the prospect of attracting more international visitors.
“I expect good things to come,” said Max Lambert, owner of Fuse Hostels & Travel.
Fuse opened two motels in the popular city of Hoi An late last year, but Lambert believes his company is operating close to pre-pandemic levels.
“We have noticed that in the past three months, the number of international guests staying at the motels has increased significantly,” he said. Bookings are back to 2019 levels. I think the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our market is almost over.”
Hoi An Ancient Town is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam. Photo: Ha Nguyen
Long way
However, the number of international visitors to Vietnam has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, Vietnam welcomed nearly 19 million international visitors.
"That means Vietnam still has a long way to go if it wants to compete with Thai tourism," Lambert said.
According to Mr. Bobby Nguyen, Vietnam must improve in several areas to maximize its potential.
“Tourism is an integrated economy, the coordination between ministries and branches must be close. Infrastructure, including the system of highways, railways and roads, has not yet met the development of tourism. Besides, it is necessary to re-train and train new personnel working in the tourism industry to provide high-quality services to tourists," he added.
Thailand is expected to welcome 20 million visitors in 2023. However, the Thai tourism industry is aiming to return to 2019 levels, when the country welcomed a record 39 million international arrivals.
“Thailand has regained its position as the most visited country in the region,” said analyst Bowerman. Thailand's tourism industry is doing very well."
“Before the pandemic, Vietnam was not really seen as a rival to Thailand but certainly an emerging player. Vietnam is seen as the next big destination in the tourism industry in Southeast Asia. I think that's still valid," Bowerman added.
