A French national was the first foreign arrival to Hanoi in 2020, who was accorded a warm welcoming ceremony by the municipal Tourism Department, Vietnam Airlines Corporation and Noi Bai International Airport.

Alain Baron (middle), a French national, was the first foreign guest to Hanoi in 2020. Photo: Tuoi tre va Phap luat.

Alain Baron, a French national flying on flight VN18 of flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, which landed at the Noi Bai International Airport at 6.am on January 1, was the first foreign visitor to Hanoi in 2020.

Baron and other 14 foreign visitors were welcomed at a ceremony, one of the significant activities to promote and lure inbound tourists to Hanoi. During the ceremony, the Hanoi Tourism Department affirmed that Vietnam’s capital is a safe, hospitable, high-quality and attractive destination.

According to Vietnamese traditional custom, the first foreign visitor to Hanoi is considered the first-foot, who brings luck and expectation of a smooth start for the new year.

The number of tourists to Hanoi reached nearly 29 million in 2019, up 10% year-on-year, including over 7 million foreigners, an inter-yearly increase of 17%.

In 2020, Hanoi sets the goals of receiving 31 million visitors, including 8.22 million foreign holidaymakers.

Last year, Hanoi was nominated as one of the world's 19 leading destination cities by the prestigious World Travel Awards.