Efforts needed to draw more foreign tourists
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) recently sent a document requiring local Departments of Tourism and Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism to implement specific measures to attract more international visitors from the country`s key tourist markets.
Foreign arrivals to Vietnam in July this year reached 846,311, a rise of 41.2 percent year on year, reported the VNAT.
According to the VNAT, in the first seven months of 2016, Vietnam received over 5.5 million international tourists, up 24 percent from the same period last year. The Vietnam's main markets of China, the Republic of Korea and Western Europe recorded a great growth.
Among the total, 4.66 million visitors arrived in Vietnam by air, while 86,321 others traveled by sea and 806,389 by road.
An upturn was seen in almost all markets, with the highest rise in the Hong Kong market with 111.8 percent, followed by China with 54.5 percent, Thailand with 37.2 percent, the Republic of Korea , 37 percent, and Laos 30.8 percent.
However, the tourism sector still had several shortcomings, including the illegal operation of foreign guides in several central localities.
Under the document, to increase State management over tourist activities, the administration requested the departments to instruct travel agencies to use flexible measures to serve tourists in case there is a lack of tour guides capable of foreign languages.
Travel agencies should employ tour guides from other localities, provide specific information about tourist sites in appropriate languages for visitors, and use Vietnamese tour guides accompanied by interpreters.
Localities should consider the installation of an auto voice-over system in foreign languages to serve tourists, especially those from Vietnam’s main tourist markets.
Provinces and cities nationwide were urged to encourage locals and enterprises to improve their behaviour towards visitors, and avoid actions or words that show discrimination against them.
According to the VNAT, in the first seven months of 2016, Vietnam received over 5.5 million international tourists, up 24 percent from the same period last year. The Vietnam's main markets of China, the Republic of Korea and Western Europe recorded a great growth.
Among the total, 4.66 million visitors arrived in Vietnam by air, while 86,321 others traveled by sea and 806,389 by road.
Foreign tourists visit the capital of Hanoi.
|
However, the tourism sector still had several shortcomings, including the illegal operation of foreign guides in several central localities.
Under the document, to increase State management over tourist activities, the administration requested the departments to instruct travel agencies to use flexible measures to serve tourists in case there is a lack of tour guides capable of foreign languages.
Travel agencies should employ tour guides from other localities, provide specific information about tourist sites in appropriate languages for visitors, and use Vietnamese tour guides accompanied by interpreters.
Localities should consider the installation of an auto voice-over system in foreign languages to serve tourists, especially those from Vietnam’s main tourist markets.
Provinces and cities nationwide were urged to encourage locals and enterprises to improve their behaviour towards visitors, and avoid actions or words that show discrimination against them.
21:48, 2025/01/13
Hanoi to develop creative tourism based on inherent advantages
By participating in creative tourism activities, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of local customs, art and culture through hands-on, meaningful interactions with local people.
14:26, 2025/01/09
Two Vietnamese cities in Asia's top five destinations for digital nomads
The recognition was made by US-based travel website Travel Off Path, affirming Vietnam's most ideal and affordable destinations for digital nomads in Asia for 2025.
21:39, 2024/12/15
New milestone in Hanoi's night tourism development
The 'Truc Bach Night' tourism promotion program is important in furthering Hanoi's efforts to develop the night-time economy.
06:52, 2024/12/13
24 hours in Hanoi: Learning to love the city
Spending a full day in Hanoi to experience the pace of life can be an emotional and unforgettable experience for people who are just passing through, but for those who are devoted to the city, years of exploration are not enough.
11:47, 2024/12/11
Nostalgia for rice noodles with fried tofu from Hanoi's Old Quarter
Bun dau mam tom (fermented shrimp paste with fried tofu and rice noodles) is one of Hanoi's signature dishes and is favored by many visitors, including foreigners.
22:57, 2024/12/06
Finding ways to make Hanoi pho, a global dish
The recognition of Hanoi pho as a national intangible cultural heritage is a turning point to promote traditional values and open the door to the world culinary map.
- Hanoi's digital pho served in Old Quarter
- Explore priceless artifacts at the new Vietnam Military History Museum
- Relations between travel businesses and locals key to grow agrotourism: Hanoi specialists
- City for Peace designation boosts tourism in Hanoi
- Huong Pagoda complex recognized Hanoi's tourist destination
- Savor Malaysian delicacies in Hanoi