Dang Huong Giang, Director of Hanoi Tourism Department said that Hanoi welcomed roughly 740,000 tourists, including locals and foreigners, during the Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1) holidays which ran from April 27 to May 1.

A child on a visit to Hanoi. Photo: Quynh Anh

According to the report, Hanoi welcomed 737,900 tourists during the holiday, generating total revenue of more than VND2,500 billion or US$98.4 million, an increase of 10% over the same period last year. Among the visitors, the number of international arrivals was estimated at 87,900, an increase of 48% compared to the same period last year, while the number of domestic travelers reached 65,000, equivalent to the same period in 2023.

The weather causes a decline in the number of domestic tourists, according to Giang. One of the peak heat waves this summer fell right on the last holiday season.

Vietnam's second-longest public holiday of the year has helped boost tourist demand for overnight stays. The average hotel occupancy rate in Hanoi is around 60.4%, up 2% from the same period in 2023. The average occupancy rate of three- to five-star hotels, serviced apartments in central Hanoi and resorts in the city's outskirts saw significant growth. Glory Son Tay reached 95%, Silkpath Boutique Hotel in downtown Hanoi 94%, Melia Ba Vi Retreat 90%, InterContinental Tay Ho 77%, Hilton Garden Inn 77% and others.

In commercial centers providing shopping and catering services in the city, footfall and sales increased during the 5-day holiday by an estimated 62%, an increase of 5% over the same period, mainly from food services.

Red flags adorned the streets of Hanoi on Reunification Day and May Day. Photo: Hoang Hieu

Due to the hot weather, the number of tourists visiting eco-tourism and resorts in suburban districts such as Ba Vi, Soc Son increased a little, and certain relics and heritage sites in central Hanoi saw a slight decrease. Hanoi Zoo welcomed 39,188 visitors; Temple of Literature - Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam relic welcomed 20,697; Bao Son Paradise Park received 20,200 visitors; Ao Vua tourist area attracted 18,000 visitors; Tuan Chau in Hanoi entertainment area welcomed 7,700 visitors; Duong Lam Ancient Village hosted more than 6,000 visitors; Ba Vi National Park recorded 10,241 visitors; Hoa Lo Prison Relics welcomed 13,054 visitors; Ethnology Museum attracted 5,000 visitors.

According to the Management Board of the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, 61,417 people visited the late leader's eternal resting place during the holiday season, including 3,919 foreign visitors. On the two days of April 30 and May 1, the management board had also coordinated with the city's tourism department to offer free water, sweet bread and milk to local and foreign people visiting Uncle Ho's Mausoleum.

On this occasion, the Hanoi Department of Tourism also launched two new tourism products, including the program "Explore the Heritage Road in South of Thang Long”; and the tourism model called “The Community Tourism of Mien Village”, with the theme of “Soul Healing - Mind Calming - Wisdom Nurturing” in Hop Son Village, Ba Vi Commune, Ba Vi District.

A visitor to the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh. Photo: Van Quyet