The Vietnam National Tourism Administration (VNAT) will enhance support for Hanoi tourism via promotional activities to lure more international visitors, said Deputy General Director of the VNAT Pham Van Thuy.

Thai sports delegation visits the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. Photo: Lai Tan

Thuy told The Hanoi Times that Hanoi should focus on investing in human resources and building unique products based on advantages of cultural value, villages, and cuisine.

Pham Van Bay, Deputy Director of Vietravel Hanoi, said though the country has welcomed international visitors since March 15, foreign partners have not been fully informed of the Vietnamese policies to stimulate travel demand. This is the reason why they have not focused on organizing new tours to bring travelers to Vietnam.

“To address this issue, the VNAT needs to strengthen promotion activities abroad, such as organizing roadshows to introduce Vietnam’s tourism. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should take more drastic actions to help the promotional activities of the tourism industry,” he added.

In order to conduct the promotion activities effectively, tourism businesses have recommended between now and the end of the year, the VNAT should send fam trips and press-trip delegations to survey destinations in Vietnam and help businesses join prestigious international tourism fairs. 

In addition, the administration also needs to support the city's tourism in the process of digital transformation. More videos promoting tourist destinations in Vietnam should be uploaded on media channels and at national and international events.

Lux Group Chairman Pham Ha added that the multimedia stock, including pictures and videos, about the destinations after Covid-19 should be updated to show the vibrancy of Vietnam tourism. 

According to local insiders, although the influx of international visitors to Hanoi increased in the first five months of this year, it is still disproportionate to the tourism potential and has not reached the pre-pandemic level.  

From January to May, the city welcomed 6.53 million visitors, an increase of twice compared to the same period in 2021, of which international visitors reached over 126,000, according to the Hanoi Tourism Department. Total revenue from tourists was estimated at VND18.9 trillion (US$811.7 million), double that of the same period in 2021.