While only 7 percent of online travel sales in Vietnam were made on mobile devices last year, the number grew rapidly at a 58.1 percent compound annual growth rate in the 2013-16 period, presenting a major growth opportunity.
More Vietnamese are using their mobile devices for travel purchases, presenting a growth opportunity for online travel agents (Photo: Hostelworld)
HCM City (VNS/VNA) - While only 7 percent of online travel sales in Vietnamwere made on mobile devices last year, the number grew rapidly at a 58.1 percentcompound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the 2013-16 period, presenting a majorgrowth opportunity, according to a Euromonitor International study.
Euromonitor, a provider of strategic marketresearch, surveyed a sample of 150 Vietnamese to analyse the online travellandscape as well as browsing and purchase behaviours. Commissioned byperformance marketing firm Criteo, the survey was conducted to help travelbusinesses and online travel agents identify and adopt digital strategies thatwill attract customers.
“Travel expenditures in Vietnam will riserapidly due to increasing disposable incomes and growing middle-classaffluence," said Alban Villani, general manager of Criteo Southeast Asia,Hong Kong and Taiwan. "Vietnam is a mobile-first society, and for 2017,the number of smart phone users in the country is expected to reach 28.5million, and 37.8 million by 2020."
Last year, Vietnamese took 6.9 millioninternational trips and 52.8 million domestic trips, while expenditures onleisure and recreation from now to 2020 are expected to grow at a 7.7 percentCAGR.
In the 2011-16 period, online travel salesgrew at an 18.3 percent CAGR and totalled over 27 million USD in earnings in2016. Mobile travel sales, which outpaced the growth of online travel sales,are expected to see a 22.4 percent CAGR from now to 2020.
Villani said that travel websites andonline travel agents should focus on providing a user-friendly mobile experiencethat is easy to navigate with add-on features and secure payment methods.
To drive transactions, they need to engagewith shoppers during the discovery, search and booking phases, and re-engagethem across all devices after they leave websites, he added.-VNA
One billion VND (45,000 USD) will be granted for e-tourism initiatives to promote Vietnam ’s tourism to international markets, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Google and Singaporean sovereign fund Temasek have forecast the Vietnamese online tourism services market to be worth 9 billion USD by 2020, and said local companies should work quickly or risk losing the market to international companies.
A quick search for “Vietnam is calling” on TikTok reveals a myriad of clips capturing the excitement of visitors setting off for Vietnam, with short videos showing tourists holding their passports, wheeling their suitcases through airports or exploring Vietnam’s scenic landscapes, diverse cuisine and unique culture - all set to upbeat, catchy soundtracks.
The number of visitors increased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, while total tourism revenue surged by 48.8%, or nearly 88% of the year’s target.
“There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines,” according to Lonely Planet.
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.
More Vietnamese are using their mobile devices for travel purchases, presenting a growth opportunity for online travel agents (Photo: Hostelworld) 
