Viet Nam welcomed the ten-millionth international tourist in 2016 On 25th December, Mr. Michael Tonge from the UK, the ten-millionth international tourist to Viet Nam in 2016, arrived at Phu Quoc International Airport, in Kien Giang Province. This is the first time Viet Nam has recorded 10 million international tourist arrivals in a year, some 2 million arrivals higher than the number of 2015. It is called the historically mile-stone of Vietnam tourism industry. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien emphasized that European tourists to Viet Nam in 2016 grew 20% over last year, being crucial to the significant growth of Viet Nam tourism this year. Welcoming the special tourist to Viet Nam, the minister affirmed that Viet Nam always facilitate international travel to Viet Nam and has been trying to improve the quality of tourism services, ensure food safety and hygiene, provide a safe and secure environment for visitors. He also informed that from 1 February 2017, Viet Nam will pilot e-visa for foreigners to the country. The policy is expected to lure more international tourists to Viet Nam. Being impressed by the warm welcome of the Vietnamese hosts, Mr. Michael Tonge said Viet Nam with breathtaking natural landscape and fascinating beaches, hospitable people, unique culture and delicious gastronomy is absolutely an attractive destination for British and European people. He will tell this unforgettable experience to his relatives and friends and encourage them to visit Viet Nam. Tourism authorities are expecting an additional 15- percent increase in international tourists next year (11.5 million arrivals) and revenues of VND460 trillion ($20.2 billion) in 2017. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thien said the growth momentum will hopefully turn tourism into a key economic driver by 2020, when it will contribute 10 percent of the GDP.
Transcript
Viet Nam welcomed the ten-millionth international tourist in 2016
On 25th December, Mr. Michael Tonge from the UK, the ten-millionth international tourist to Viet Nam in2016, arrived at Phu Quoc International Airport, in Kien Giang Province.
This is the first time Viet Nam has recorded 10million international tourist arrivals in a year, some 2million arrivals higher than the number of 2015. It iscalled the historically mile-stone of Vietnam tourismindustry.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism NguyenNgoc Thien emphasized that European tourists toViet Nam in 2016 grew 20% over last year, beingcrucial to the significant growth of Viet Nam tourismthis year. Welcoming the special tourist to Viet Nam,the minister affirmed that Viet Nam always facilitateinternational travel to Viet Nam and has been tryingto improve the quality of tourism services, ensurefood safety and hygiene, provide a safe and secureenvironment for visitors. He also informed that from1 February 2017, Viet Nam will pilot e-visa forforeigners to the country. The policy is expected tolure more international tourists to Viet Nam.
Being impressed by the warm welcome of theVietnamese hosts, Mr. Michael Tonge said VietNam with breathtaking natural landscape andfascinating beaches, hospitable people, uniqueculture and delicious gastronomy is absolutely anattractive destination for British and Europeanpeople. He will tell this unforgettable experience tohis relatives and friends and encourage them tovisit Viet Nam.
Tourism authorities are expecting an additional 15-percent increase in international tourists next year(11.5 million arrivals) and revenues of VND460trillion ($20.2 billion) in 2017. Mr. Nguyen NgocThien said the growth momentum will hopefullyturn tourism into a key economic driver by 2020,when it will contribute 10 percent of the GDP.
During the fourth quarter of 2016, Viet Nam welcomed2.635.938 international tourist arrivals, increasing 22%compared with the same period of 2015.
Total international arrivals in 2016 recorded10,012,735 arrivals, increased 26.0% over the sameperiod last year, including 8.260.623 by air (+31,7%),284.855 by sea (+67.7%) and 1.467.257 by road (-3%).
In comparison with 2015, almost all the main inbound
markets maintained at the double-digit growths. North
East Asia still significantly proved to be the biggest
inbound market to Vietnam, accounting for
appropriately 60% of the total number of international
arrivals to Vietnam, in which Hongkong specially
increased by 67,5%, China (+51,4%), Korea (+38,7%)
and Taiwan (+15,6%)...
Getting a strong recovery in 2016 with the growth rate of
28%, equivalent to 433.987 arrivals, Russian market
ranks the top six markets gaining the fastest inbound
arrival growth to Vietnam.
The two biggest inbound markets to Vietnam namelyChina and Korea reached 4.240.731, accounting for43% of the total number of tourists to Vietnam.
International visitors from the Western European marketsstill remained the double-digit growth, including Italy(+27%); Spain (+29%); UK (+20%); Germany (+18%)and France (+14%).
The Northern European markets such as Norway,Danmark, Finland, and Sweden still rank the top 20inbound market to Vietnam; whereas Cambodia had aslight decrease of outbound tourists to Vietnam in 2017.
FACTS AND FIGURES According to ITB World Travel Trends Report 2015/2016, social media is merely
helpful or actively influences travellers’ decisions about which destination to visitor which accommodation to book. For international travelers, the internet is by farthe most important source of information, with about 75% using online informationas part of their trip planning, compared to about one third (over 30%) for travelagencies and one fourth (25%) using information from friends.
In 2016, Vietnam welcomed over 10 million international tourist arrivals,increasing 25,9% to 2015; 62 million domestic tourists, total tourism receiptreached US$ 18 billion.
Vietnam Tourism sets a goal for 2017, that is to welcome 11,5 millioninternational tourists arrivals, 66 million domestic tourist arrivals and the totaltourism revenue gains US$ 20.24 billion.
In 2016, more than 5.4 million tourists visited Kien Giang, a year-on-yearincrease of 24% exceeding the yearly quota by 9.5%. Of this figure, internationalarrivals reached 319.000 arrivals, grew 31.4% annually, 14% higher than initialplan; tourism revenue increased 41,9% compared with 2015..
NEWS SUMMARYSuccessful participating World Travel Mart 2016
From 7th - 9th November, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism attended the World Travel Mart2016 in London.
In 2016, Vietnam Tourism Booth covered 102 smq,
together with Tourism Department of Hanoi, Quang
Ninh and 15 enterprises including Vietravel, Vinpearl,
Mường Thanh, Hồ Tràm, Veranda, Vietnamtourism,
Hanoi Redtours, Đông Dương, Di Sản Việt, Viễn
Đông, Hưng Anh, Du thuyền Pelican, Du thuyền 5 sao
Tuần Châu, Khách sạn La Casa… Vietravel was
assigned to make the layout, maque and follow up the
booth construction. The booth with its special design
of ancient Hoi An - the World Cultural Heritage put a
great impression on visitors and partners.
In the framework of WTM 2016, Vietnam Tourism
was promoted with a series of activities such as:
traditional musical performances, cocktail
reception, press conference… with the effort to
introduce Vietnam Tourism new destinations, new
services and products, new tourism policies as well
as lauching the new website of Vietnam Tourism
(www.vietnamtourism.vn) made by the sponsor of
Toursm Advisory Board and Ogilvy.
In her speech, Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi
Thanh Huong emphasised on the importance of
European market in general and the United
Kingdon market in particular. Vietnam Tourism will
continue to improve its service quality and facilitate
the travelling for international tourists to meet the
ENHANCE INTRODUCING VIETNAM TOURISM TO CHINESE MARKET
Chinese market is always the most important marketfor Vietnam Tourism which accounts for 20-25% ofthe toatal market share in Vietnam. According toUNWTO, 120 million of Chinese people travelledabroad in 2015 and it is estimated to grow up to 220million in 2025. Therefore, Vietnam has continuallyimplemented a range of promotional plans in thismarket.
In 2016, Vietnam Tourism strongly pushed forwardsthe promotional activities in Chinese market. In theforth quarter of 2016, Vietnam NationalAdministration of Tourism carried out a series ofroadshow programs to introduce Vietnam's tourism inthe Northeast, Northwest, Central and SoutheastChina, focusing on 10 cities, including: Guilin,Changchun, Dalian, Xi'an, Shenzhen, Shenyang,Shanghai, Inner Mongolia, Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan.
Addressing at the program, Viietnam Tourismleaders affirmed that Vietnam is always ready tofacilitate Chinese tourists traveling Vietnam andfacilitiate two countries’ enterprises cooperatingand doing business according to regulations of thetwo countries. Introducing Vietnam's tourismpotential, leaders of Vietnam Tourism emphasizedon marine tourism products with the year-all-roundsunshine coasts in the Central and South ofVietnam which are ideal destinations for tourists toavoid the cold winter, appropriate to the needs ofChinese tourists.
According to the report of China TourismDevelopment Research Institute and Ctrip, the topfavorite destinations of Chinese tourists include:Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, Vietnam,Singapore, Indonesia, Hongkong, and Phillipines.
The roadshow programmes were successful withthe attendance of leaders of the cities’s TourismBureau Departments and leaders of the TourismPromotion Agency of the provinces and cities ofChina and hundreds of tour operators and mediaagencies in China coming for exchanging,networking and reporting on Vietnam tourism.Especially, the roadshow programs in Xi'anattracted more than 900 guests, in Shenyangattracted more than 600 guests and in Shanghaimore than 500 guests.
Participating CITM 2016 in Shanghai
Vietnam tourism delegation led by Deputy Chairman Ngo Hoai Chung participated ChinaInternational Tourism Mart (CITM) opening on 11 November in Shanghai. Joining the delegation werethe leaders of Da Nang Tourism Department and some tourism enterprises.
CITM is one of the largest professional travel fair inAsia, held annually in Shanghai and Kunming,China. This year, the event took place at theInternational Exhibition Center Shanghaisponsored by National Tourism Bureau of China,the Civil Aviation Administration of China andShanghai governmental Organizations.
Participating into the event, Vietnam Tourism boothhad an area of 36m2, focusing on marine tourismwith many famous destination such as Ha Long, DaNang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and unique heritages,the ancient capital of Hue, Hoi An, Son Doong Cave.Besides promotional materials like leaflets,brochures, guidebooks..., Vietnam tourism imagewas also promoted through electronic LED screenwith vivid scenes.
China is the top market of Vietnam. In 2016,Vietnam welcomed 2,696,848 international touristsfrom China, rising up 51.4% to 2015.
This year, Da Nang joined actively under the samebooth of Vietnam National Administration ofTourism. Mr. Tran Chi Cuong, Deputy Director ofDa Nang Tourism Department, said: The numberof Chinese visitors now accounted for about 26%of all international visitors to Danang. Particularly,during the first 10 months of 2016, approximately400 thousand Chinese visitors traveled to Danang,an increase of 40% compared to 2015. Mr Cuongalso said that activities at local tour operators havea regular pattern, with many corrective andimprovement travel environment to attract moreforeign tourists, including Chinese visitors.
VIETNAM TOURISM ROADSHOW IN THAILAND (23th - 25th November 2016)
Thailand is a large market which has displayed to be the most developed tourism within the region. The
annual number of Thailand tourists traveling abroad reached nearly 7 million visitors and the average growth
rate of 6%/year, while the number of intra-ASEAN travellers accounted for 60%. Thailand tourist market
always ranks the top ten markets of Vietnam tourism, obtaining over 200,000 visitors/year, accounting for
nearly 3% of the total number of international visitors to Vietnam. Vietnam always attaches importance to
developing this market.
Tourism promotion program was organized to
strengthen the relationship and cooperation to
develop tourism between northern central provinces
of Thailand, creating opportunities for businesses in
the province travel to learn, communicate
information, promote the exploitation and
development of tours, and enhance business
cooperation, two-way exchange with partners in
Thailand.
Along with the introduction of the North Centraldestinations, the program has focused onintroducing air routes which connect directly fromBangkok to the tourist centers of Vietnam,especially giving attention to Vinh - Bangkok routethat has been being expoilted by Vietravel sinceJune 2016. Also, some products connected roadtrip through Bangkok - Northeast Thailand - NorthCentral Laos are also strongly exploilted by theVietnam tour operators.
The North Central Provinces possess manyoutstanding World Heritage such as Hue, NationalPark Phong Nha - Ke Bang, the Ho dynasty, courtmusic of Hue, Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks diverseecosystem. North Central Region has a specialgeographical position close to Thailand, connectingby road between northeastern provinces ofThailand and north central provinces of Vietnamand vice verse through the East-West economicCorridor very favorablely. At the present, the Vinh –Bangkok air route connecting Udon Thani has alsobeen put into operation, opening up newopportunities for the exchange of visitors betweenthe two sides.
VIETNAM TOURISM ROADSHOW IN TAIWAN
Taiwan is the top five largest markets of Vietnam, after China, South Korea, Japan and the US. By 2016, the number of Taiwanese tourists to Vietnam reached nearly 507,301 arrivals, up 15.6% compared to 2015.
From March 17-21 October 2016, the delegation ledby Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, the DeputyChairwoman of Vietnam National Administration ofTourism attended the 5th Conference on developingtourism cooperation between Vietnam – Taiwan andorganized programs to introduce Vietnam tourism inTaichung and Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Vietnam Tourism Presentation in Taichung andKaohsiung has attracted nearly 100 enterprisesand Taiwan reporters to attend. At the event,Deputy General Director Nguyen Thi ThanhHuong sent encouraging messages, invitesbusinesses and Taiwanese tourists travelingVietnam with excellent value on culture, island,the scene world-renowned beauty, the hospitalityof the people of Vietnam and quality tourismservices. In particular, its excellent cuisinetogether with the World Heritage Ha Long Bay,Hoi An and the resort in Dalat, Phu Quoc...especially impressed with Taiwan enterprises. Inthe framework of the Vietnam TourismIntroduction in Taiwan, the two sides now havethe opportunity to interact, explore businesscooperation opportunities. Vietnam artists havebrought these facts repertoire unique traditionalarts, are appreciated, contributing to Vietnamattractive image, drawn in Taiwan.
At the Conference, the two sides reviewed theachieved results after the 4th Conference held in2015 in Vietnam. The two sides have cooperatedclosely in participation in tourism fairs and promotionactivities. Taiwan side has lifted the warning "yellow"for Vietnam tourism destination, creating morefavorable conditions for entry visas for Vietnamesecitizens to Taiwan. They also have closecooperation in the field of cruise tourism and humanresources training.
For future cooperation, the two sides continue topromote the achievements, open short-term trainingcourses for managers of Vietnam tourism, supportthe promotion of different thematic products andjointly organize promotional events in market cuisineVietnam and Taiwan. In addition, the two sidesexchanged experiences in managing touristdestination, the tourism development policy. Taiwanside to provide information and documentation onmatters related to the Law on Tourism of Vietnam
Roadshow promote Vietnam tourism in Indonesia
In 2016, Vietnam welcomed 69.653 Indonesian arrivals, increasing 12% to 2016. Vietnamesetourists to Indonesia each year reached 40.000 arrivals, mainly to Jakarta and Bali. In 2017,Vietnam targets to receive 100.000 Indonesian tourists to Vietnam.
Vice chairman Ha Van Sieu said the target ofwelcoming 100,000 Indonesia visitors to Vietnam inthe next year is very feasible when VNATcollaborate with local authorities and enterprices todeploy all promotion activities especially introduceVietnam landscapes being suitable with Indonesiantourists and Muslim tourists.
Businesses, especially Vietnam Airlines haslaunched plans to increase flight frequency betweenJakarta - Ho Chi Minh City and proceed to opendirect flights Jakarta - Hanoi, therefore the number100,000 Indonesian visitors will easily achieve withthe rate will increase from 10-15% / year.
The program with the participation of theAmbassador of Vietnam in Indonesia, Ministry ofTourism of Indonesia, Indonesia TourismAssociation, airlines and more than 160 travelagents and press media in Indonesia. This isalso an opportunity for tourism businesses ofthe two countries to meet, look for opportunitiesof business cooperation and contribute topromoting tourism cooperation between the twocountries. The program provides travel agentswith tourist information about Vietnam as anattractive destination with a diversity of culturaltourism, gastronomy, leisure, adventure.../.
According to Mr. Tedjo Iskandar from NetworkingDestination travel agencies of Indonesia, toattract more Indonesian tourists to Vietnam, it isvery important to open direct routes from Jakartato Hanoi and get the involvement of the low-costcarriers.
In addition, Vietnam also needs to consider theconditions to serve Muslim tourists especiallyHalal food and Indonesian - speaking tour guide.
The roadshow held in Indonesia is in thesequence program to introduce Vietnam tourism
in three countries Indonesia, Malaysia andSingapore taken place from 5-9 December 2016.
Roadshow promote Vietnam tourism in Malaysia
Vietnam and Malaysia have great potential tocooperate and develop tourism with favorableconditions such as bilateral visa-free policy,convenient air connection.
In 2016, Viet Nam welcomed 407,574 Malaysiantourists, increased by 17.6% compared to 2015).On average, there are about 230,000 Vietnamtourists travel to Malaysia each year. VNAT hasenhanced a range of promotion activities in targetmarkets including Malaysia to attract internationalvisitors to Vietnam.
Attending the program were Mr. Ha Van Sieu - ViceChairman of VNAT, Mr. Pham Cao Phong -Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia, together witha large number of tourism enterprises and Malaysianmedia agencies.
In the coming time, Viet Nam will focus oncreating attractive tourism products that fit thetastes of Malaysian tourists, encouraginginvestment in restaurants serving traditionalMalaysian food, expanding direct flights betweenmajor cities of the two countries …
Roadshow promote Vietnam tourism in Singapore
In recent years, Vietnam tourism focus toward short-haul markets, especially to the ASEANcountries including Singapore - one of the largest transit hub in the region.
In 2016, the number of Singaporean tourists toVietnam reached 257,041 arrivals, went up by8.7% compared to 2015. In order to attract moretourists from this market, VNAT has cooperatedclosely with the organization, tourism associationsto strengthen the promotion and advertisingactivities; organize Fam trips; facilitate businesscooperation between enterprises of the twocountries.
Attending the program were Mr. Nguyen Tien Minh- Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore, Mr HaVan Sieu – Vice Chairman of VNAT,representatives of the functional departments ofVNAT, representatives of Ho Chi Minh TourismDepartment, Ms. Christina Chan - Deputy Directorof International Relations (Singapore TourismBoard), representatives of Singapore TourismAssociation together with a large number of tourismenterprises, airlines and media of the two countries.
In the framework of the program, VNAT introduced tourism products of Viet Nam with spectacular natural
scenery, interesting caves and beautiful beaches; Viet Nam is also famous with UNESCO cultural
heritage and rich culinary. Tourism facilities in Viet Nam are growing simultaneously. There are currently
over 50 international airlines operating flights to Vietnam that help creating more favorable condition to
attract foreign tourists. Besides, Viet Nam is stepping up investment in water transport and roads to
connect the ASEAN countries.
Vietnam tourism roadshow in Uzbekistan
In the series of the activities of VNAT in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, on 30 th September, VNAT incollaboration with Embassy of Vietnam in Uzbekistan organized a program introducing Vietnamtourism in Tashkent capital, Uzbekistan.
In attendance were Mr. Pham Van Thao - TheVietnam Embassador in Uzbekistan, Mr. NguyenQuy Phuong - Director of Travel Management
Addressing at the roadshow, Mr. Nguyen QuyPhuong - Director of Travel ManagementDepartment (VNAT) was highly appreciated thecooperation between the two countries Vietnam andThe Republic of Uzbekistan in many fields,especially in tourism field. After the signing oftourism cooperation agreement between the twoGovernments in 1996, The Republic of Uzbekistangradually has become one of the potential market ofVietnam tourism.
Dept. (VNAT), tour operators, travel agencies andaviators from Uzbekistan.
Vietnamese Government always offer the mostfavourable environment for the tourism businessesof the two sides to creat and develop new tourismproducts, boost the visitors’ flow. Furthermore, thetourist to Vietnam could countinue to convenientlyjoin the trip to Laos, Campuchia, Myanmar andother ASEAN countries - Mr. Phuong said.
Vietnam tourism roadshow in Kazakstan
On September 29, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) in collaboration with VietnamEmbassy in Kazakhstan launched a roadshow to promote Vietnam tourism in the capital city of Astana.
This is the good opportunity to promote Viet Namtourism to Kazakhstan tourism bussinesses, pressand citizens, as well as Vietnam tourismbussinesses to seek opportunity for cooperation withpartners in Kazakhstan.
In attendance were Ms. Doan Thi Xuan Hien –Ambassador of Viet Nam to Kazakhstan; Mr.Nguyen Quy Phuong – Director of TravelManagement Department (VNAT); Ms. ZhanatKazkenova – Tourism Industry Department, Ministryof Investment and Development of Kazakhstan;representatives of Ho Chi Minh City’s TourismDepartment; representatives of Ministry of ForeignAffairs of Kazakhstan; and tourism enterprises of thetwo countries.
Addressing at the roadshow, AmbassadorDoan Thi Xuan Hien affirmed that Viet Namis a peaceful country and an attractivedestination with beautiful nature and uniqueculture. Viet Nam always welcomes touristsfrom Kazakhstan and provides best servicesto meet their demands, meanwhile offeringmost favourable environment for cooperationbetween tourism businesses of the two sides.Viet Nam Embassy in Kazakhstan committedto support Kazakhstan enterprises in visaprocedure as soon as possible.
According to Mr. Nguyen Quy Phuong, effectivecooperation in tourism between Viet Nam and
Kazakhstan has been seen, particularly after thesigning of tourism cooperation agreement betweenthe two Governments on 31 October 2011. VNAThoped that tourism authorities, businesses andaviation of Kazakhstan would continue to developnew tourist products and services to bringKazakhstan tourists to the beautiful country of VietNam. More and more Kazakhstan tourists chooseVietnam - a country with a rich, unique culture, to bean attractive destination with great tourism potential,particularly potential for beach tourism.
Viet Nam promotes tourism in Kanagawa, Japan
In the frame work of the second Viet Nam festival in Kanagawa, Japan to be held from 28th to 30thOctober 2016, VNAT in collaboration with Int’ Cooperation Dept (MOSCT), Vietnam Embassy inJapan, JATA organized the Seminar to promote Vietnam tourism in Kanagawa.
The seminar was joint organized by MOCST andVNAT to promote Vietnam tourism, attractinvestors in Vietnam with the participation of theGovernor of Kanagawa, Mr. Kurojwa Yuji; Mr.Nguyen Trung Khanh, director of the Departmentof International Cooperation; Mr. Hoang DangQuang, Secretary, Chairman of Quang Binhprovince’s People's Council; Mr. Nguyen QuocCuong, Vietnam Ambassador in Japan andespecially the numerous Japanese travelagencies interested in Vietnam's tourism market.
On this occasion, VNAT cooperated with Kanagawato organize the FAM Trip included 7 Vietnamtourism bussinesses to inspect Kanagawa’sdestinations and tourism products. On the sidelineof the Seminar, Vietnam enterprises also activelyconnected with Kanagawa tourism businesses toseek opportunities for cooperation.
Addressing at the roadshow, the Governor ofKanagawa, Mr.Kurojwa Yuji affirmed that wasthe meaningful event to the relationshipbetween Viet Nam and Japan, the chance tostrengthen understanding, cultural exchangebetween the two countries. Besides, It was agood opportunity for Kanagawa people to knowmore about Vietnam country, people andattractive destinations. In the future, in additionto encourage Kanagawa people to visitVietnam, Mr. Koiwa Yuji also wishes towelcome more Vietnam tourists to visitKanagawa.
Beside the well-known destinations like Ha Noi,
Ho Chi Minh city, on this occasion, Mr Hoang
Dang Quang, Secretary, Chairman of Quang
Binh Province’s People’s Coucil affirmed about
the Vietnam tourism potential and particularly
Quang Binh province with the adventage of
leading rich tourism resources in Viet Nam.
Kanagawa’s highlight information
Kanagawa is adjacent to the Tokyo and 2nd population rank in Japan (behind only Tokyo) with 10billion people, is famous for the largest Yokohama port city with the anual large number ofoutbound tourism. Now, Kanagawa attracts numberous abroad Vietnam students. Vietnam isthe 6th visitors market of Kanagawa.
Viet Nam promotes tourism in Australia
Australia has been emphasized in the top leading markets sending tourists to Viet Nam. In 2016,Vietnam welcomed about 320.678 Australian tourists, increasing 5,6% in comparison to 2015.
From 04 - 05 October 2016, VNAT in collaborationwith the Vietnam Embassy in Australia, VietnamAirlines, the General Vietnam Consulate in Sydneyand Melbourne organized the Vietnam tourismroadshow in Sydney and Melbourne. This is theseries promotion activities for Australia market inNational Promotion Project. In attendance were theVietnam bussiness Association In Melbourne,Sydney and more than 180 representatives fromAustralia press, media, the businesses and partnerswhich provide Vietnam tourism products.
At the roadshow, representatives of VNAT, HanoiTourism Department and other Vietnam tourismbussinesses introduced attractive destinations, newtourism products, and visa requirements forAustralians entering Viet Nam. In the Q&A session,the representative of two sides gave usefulinformation to tourism bussinesses, press andmedia regarding to tourism products, newdestination and visa policy for Australian market.
Speaking at the program, Deputy Chairman HaVan Sieu affirmed that Viet Nam is one of the mostattractive destination in Southeast Asia. With thesustainability orientation, Vietnam increasinglyimproves service quality and infrastructure of VietNam tourism; and a variety of specific tourismproducts have been developed on base of 4 mainproduct lines of cultural tourism, sea and islandstourism, ecotourism and city-breaks.
Review conference on Tourism Industry 2016
In Hanoi, on 27th December 2016, the Review Conference on Tourism Industry in was held with thepresent of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thien.
Although having faced a plenty of difficulties andchallenges, Tourism Industry still achievedremarkable results in 2016 by following the directionof the Party, the State and with the very big effortgathered by the industrial stakeholders.
Both the number of visitors and revenue from
tourism has gained new record in the year 2016.
Vietnam welcomed more than 10 millions of
international visitors and increased 26% in
compared to 2015, served 62 millions of
domestic tourists and gained revenue of nearly
20 billion US dollar.
Tourism is also considered one of the priorityeconomic sectors to be developed by theGovernment that for the first time a NationalConference on Tourism Development washosted by the Prime Minister. The amendedLaw on Tourism is going to be approved by theNational Assembly in the mid year 2017.
Numbers of promoting events have been activelyimplemented internationally and domestically whichare organizing the National Tourism Year 2016,supporting central provinces to recover after the crisisof marine environment, strengthening managementactivities on agents, accommodations, planning, etc.One of the most significant action is the campaign toscrutinize the accommodation system nationwide that16 conferences have been held to guide theinternationally standardized requirements foraccommodations and 22 tourist centers have beeninspected of which some have lost their stars due tothe substandard quality.
However, there are still many efforts must bedone to improve the current status of theIndustry in terms of cooperation betweensectors and provinces, social awareness of theindustry, service quality, competitive capacity,human resources or tour guides and tourists’activities management as directed by theMinister. He also emphasized that an actionplan in details would be necessarily set up inimplementing the State’s policies.
Tourism on the way to become thekey economic sector
The year 2016 is a remarkably special yearthroughout 56 years in the history of Vietnam TourismIndustry. The country for the first time received 10millions international visitors in one single year andalso achieved the growth rate of 26%. Such great andsignificant achievement should be engaged for newand further heights.
There are decisive sectors to achieve thisdevelopment which are the favorable State policiesapplied to the industry itself and the relatedinterdisciplinary as well such as the improvement oftransportation and tourism infrastructure anddefinitely, the efforts of all stakeholders. It is also aresult from the consideration and awareness by thesociety of the important role and the contribution ofthe industry.
The Party, the State and the Government have allgiven more strongly attentions and actions than everto the industry that created a comprehensivetransformation in the sector. For the first time, thePrime Minister Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the twoDeputy Prime Ministers, Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue who isin charge of Economic Issues and Mr. Vu Duc Damwho is Secretary of the Steering State Committee onTourism, hosted a National Conference on TourismDevelopment which was held in Hoi An Ancient Town.Important issues related to other governmental bodieswhich are Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry ofPolice, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Planning andInvestment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industryand Trade that had long been effected the industrywere addressed and solved.
Miniter Nguyen Ngoc Thien and General Secrectariat UNWTOTaleb Rifai signed the tourism cooperation memorandom
By receiving more than 10 millions ofinternational visitors in 2016, Viet Nam hasbecome one of the five most favorabledestinations in Southeast Asia. This is a greateffort of the industry as it was ranked among thebottom then the middle group for a very long timeof its history. At present, Viet Nam ranked thefifth after Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore andIndonesia though the distance to those strongcompetitive industries is rather long and moreremarkable and distinctive transformation isneeded to narrow the gap. Just at the beginningof the year 2017, a Resolution on developingtourism to become the spearhead economicsector has been issued by the Politburo of theCommunist Party of Viet Nam. It is expected thatthis Resolution will become the direction to a newpath for the industry after the concrete actionplan set by the Government. And the distance isnot impossible to catch up with!
