In January of this year, a record-breaking 1.5 million international visitors were recorded, the highest since Vietnam reopened for tourism. This number is also equivalent to the number of international visitors to Vietnam in January 2019, before the outbreak of COVID-19.
During the Lunar New Year of the Horse, the capital city welcomed 103,000 international visitors, an increase of 2.2 times compared to the same period last year. Visitors this season mainly come to Hanoi from Europe.
Julian, a French tourist, said: “The atmosphere on the streets is very lively, and the weather is beautiful. I am enjoying a wonderful time here.”
International visitors have simultaneously increased in many major tourist centers, some even doubling or tripling compared to the same period last year, such as Da Nang, Ninh Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ninh, and Ho Chi Minh City. In particular, Phu Quoc has seen a five-fold increase. From the beginning of the year until now, dozens of cruise ships have carried about 6,500 multi-national tourists to ports all over the country to experience a journey across Vietnam.
Record-high number of international visitors to Vietnam. Illustrative photo.
This year, some traditional markets such as China and Japan are expected to recover thanks to national-level efforts. Last year, the Japanese government called on its citizens to visit 24 international destinations, including Vietnam, in order to promote the aviation and tourism industry.
Mr. Yoshida Kenji, Head of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) in Vietnam, said: “With those efforts, we believe that the Japanese market to Vietnam will recover as it did in 2019.”
Shortening the visa processing time, especially extending the stay of international visitors to 45 days, has had a positive effect on international visitors.
According to the Korea Tourism Organization, Vietnam is expected to easily reach 18 million international visitors this year by increasing direct flights to many cities around the world and implementing fare policies to stimulate demand, as Vietnam has always been a favorite destination for international visitors.
Mr. Lee Kyung Taek, Deputy Head of the Korea Tourism Organization in Vietnam, believes that: “Through tourism promotion activities and the opening of more flight routes, I think that Vietnam has a great opportunity to achieve its goals this year.”
With the positive signs from the beginning of the new year, the Vietnamese tourism industry is expected to have a strong breakthrough in 2024.
