2017 is considered a successful year for the tourism sector, with 13 million international tourists arriving in Vietnam, up by three million against the previous year.
Vietnam welcomed 13 million international tourists in 2017, up by three million against the previous year (Photo VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – 2017 is considered a successful year for the tourismsector, with 13 million international tourists arriving in Vietnam, up by threemillion against the previous year.
According to Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism(VNAT) Nguyen Van Tuan, 2017 was the first year that the sector implemented PolitburoResolution 8-NQ/TW on developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector.
In the first half of 2017, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation(UNWTO) revealed the world’s top 10 fastest-growing tourist destinations, withVietnam in sixth position. The Southeast Asian country also led Asia-Pacificwith growth of 31.2 percent.
The UNWTO described Vietnam as not a stranger to tourism with long-standinghistory, culture, rich cuisine and natural attractions.
Vietnam also received international tourism awards in 2017. Notably, theInterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort set a record as it was honoured asthe World’s Leading Luxury Resort for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile,the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay was named the World’s Best New Resort bythe World Travel Awards.
Vietravel became the first Vietnamesetravel company to be honoured as the World’s Leading Group Tour Operator 2017.
The good performance during 2017 wasattributable to the sector’s concerted efforts and several policies, including atwo-year pilot e-visa programme for citizens of 40 countries launched onFebruary 1, and extension of visa exemption for certain countries. Manyprovinces have worked to improve tourism service and quality and the investmentenvironment to attract investment in the sector.
In June 2017, the National Assembly approved the Law on Tourism, which tookeffect on January 1, 2018. Decrees and circulars guiding the execution of thelaw are being finalised to drive tourism development.
Vietnam hopes to serve at least 16million international tourists in 2018 and 17-18 million foreign holidaymakersin 2020.-VNA
Twenty travel companies were fined and another had its business licence revoked for 18 months for violating administrative regulations in travel business activities in 2017, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
The northern province of Quang Ninh has made thorough preparations as host of the National Tourism Year 2018, planning at least 51 cultural, sports and tourism events.
More than 350 international and domestic experts from different sectors met to discuss sustainable tourism development at a workshop held in Long Xuyen city, An Giang on January 2.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Vietnam welcomed 13 million international tourists in 2017, up by three million against the previous year (Photo VNA) 
