Hanoi welcomed an estimated 6.54 million tourists in the first three months of 2024, up 10.9% year-on-year, according to the Hanoi Department of Tourism.

Of these arrivals, international tourists to Hanoi reached nearly 1.4 million, up 40% from the same period in 2023. Domestic arrivals increased by 5%, reaching about 5.14 million.

Total tourism revenue reached nearly VND25.4 trillion (US$1 million), up 17.8% year-on-year.

A visitor to the Quang Phu Cau incense-making village on the outskirts of Hanoi. Photo: Ka Long

The average accommodation occupancy across all categories was 62.1%, up 5.63% year-on-year.

To promote the city and attract tourists, the city's Tourist Board will organize events, programs and festivals, such as the 'Hanoi Tourist Gifts' and 'Hanoi Ao Dai', said Dang Huong Giang, director of the Hanoi Tourism Department.

The department will support other relevant units in organizing other tourism activities, some of the highlights include Vietnam International Tourism Fair - VITM Hanoi 2024; the inauguration of a tourist route from central Hanoi to the rural districts of Thanh Oai, Ung Hoa and My Duc entitled "The Heritage Road on the South of Thang Long Citadel"; the announcement of community tourism products in Ba Vi District, among others.

In addition, the department will also carry out regular tourism activities in the Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Street and the Thien Quang Lake walking area, as well as establishing a walking route around the moat of the ancient Son Tay Citadel, and others.

Moreover, river tourism products linking tourist destinations along the Red River and Duong River areas will also be completed.

Hanoi in leaf-changing season. Photo: Yeu Hanoi Group

A number of tourism programs are expected to be launched to further promote and develop tourism products that are Hanoi's strengths, such as culinary tourism, MICE tourism, and healthcare tourism.

The department has strengthened the development of cooperative tourism programs with the provinces of Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Son La, Lao Cai and Lai Chau to bring visitors to Hanoi since late 2023.

In addition, the tourism industry will prioritize digital transformation in marketing the destination, run promotional campaigns on the city's information portal and social media platforms, and launch promotional programs at major international travel fairs.

This year, Hanoi aims to welcome around 27 million visitors, including 5.5 million foreigners, an increase of 9.2% and 16.4% respectively over last year. The total revenue from tourism is expected to reach around VND103.74 trillion (US$4.22 billion), an annual increase of 11.1%. The target for the average occupancy rate of accommodation and hotels is 62%.

To achieve these targets, the capital city will also explore emerging and potential markets, including India, Muslim countries, South America and Australia. The city focuses on increasing tourist spending and length of stay, particularly among overseas travelers.