WORDS ON THE STREET 70th anniversary of Hanoi's Liberation Day Vietnam - Asia 2023 Smart City Summit Hanoi celebrates 15 years of administrative boundary adjustment 12th Vietnam-France decentrialized cooperation conference 31st Sea Games - Vietnam 2021 Covid-19 Pandemic
Home / Travel / Attractions
Visa exemption policy shows positive signals for tourism sector
Thu Minh 21:15, 2016/03/02
The visa exemption lasting 15 days for visitors from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Belarus (from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016) have proved effectively to lure foreign tourists in the past months.
According to experts, the Resolution of the Government on visa exemption needs to overcome existing inadequacies to gain the dual benefits for tourism sector in the coming time.
As soon as the visa exemption for travelers from 6 European countries including: the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Belarus took effect, the number of tourists from these markets increased significantly.
Notably, the number of Italian and Spainish tourists rose by 10%.
According to the CEO of Asian Trails Co. Bui Viet Thuy Tien: "As a travel agent providing services for European customers, I believe the number of tourists from these European countries will increase sharply in the coming months. Because the summer attracts most of visitors from Italian and Spainish markets, while the remained seasons often attract tourists of other markets".
Customers often book tours before half a year, so the number of foreign arrivals from these markets is expected to increase strongly after 6 months of implementation of this policy, Tien added.
In 2015, international visitors to Hanoi reached 3.4 million arrivals, up 12% compared to the same period of 2014, accounting for nearly 40% of the country's foreign tourists. Meanwhile, foreign visitors to Vietnam increased by nearly 1% in the year.

 
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Experts said that Vietnam's visa exemption policy should be expanded in the coming time. Beside six European countries, the country only implemented the visa exemption for 7 countries, including Russia, Japan, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Korea, Finland, and 10 ASEAN nations.
Meanwhile, Singapore deployed the visa exemption for citizens of 150 countries and territories, Thailand's visa exemption was paid to visitors of more than 50 countries. These countries also used technology application to grant online visa to promote tourism.
Deputy General Director of Plaza Hotel Vu Dinh Tan proposed that the limited time should be extended to 30 days as other countries. In addition, the tourism industry needs to continue to study and expand the visa exemption to some potential markets, with high-spending levels, he added.
However, visa exemption is only a necessary condition, the tourism industry should focus on developing its products and upgrading services in order to lure more international tourists.
Other news
15:00, 2024/11/18
Explore priceless artifacts at the new Vietnam Military History Museum
For history buffs, the Vietnam Museum of Military History is a must-see in Hanoi. It provides a thorough overview of Vietnamese patriotism.
08:22, 2024/11/13
Relations between travel businesses and locals key to grow agrotourism: Hanoi specialists
Better links between local residents, travel companies and OCOP producers are the key to boost sustainable agricultural tourism.
18:23, 2024/10/08
City for Peace designation boosts tourism in Hanoi
By capitalizing on the advantages of its millennia-old culture and products with a strong local flavor, tourism in Hanoi is expected to take off.
21:31, 2024/09/29
Huong Pagoda complex recognized Hanoi's tourist destination
Built in the 15th century and renovated multiple times, the Huong Son complex has preserved its historical and scenic value.
15:42, 2024/09/02
Suggestions for day trips in Hanoi
Many people opt for day trips during the four-day National Day holiday to save money on lodging and transport, and to spend time relaxing and enjoying themselves with loved ones.
14:06, 2024/07/31
Hanoi received 16.44 million visits in seven months
The Jan-Jul figure rose 11.8% on year, including 3.43 million international visitors and 13.01 million domestic arrivals.