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| In Hoi An ancient town (Photo: vneconomy.vn) |
However, it was only equivalent to 69.2% of that recorded in the same period of 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the period, the number of visitors to Vietnam via airway, roads and waterway accounted for 87.6%, 11.6% and 0.8%, respectively.
In August, the number of domestic tourists was estimated at 9.5 million, with about 6.3 million of them staying overnight. On an eight-month calculation, the figure hit 86 million.
The revenue from accommodation and food services reached 436.3 trillion VND (18.1 billion USD) during the eight months while that from travel services rose by 47% annually to 22.4 trillion VND, which was attributable to higher demand during the peak season. Localities have actively launched various stimulation activities after a long period impacted by the pandemic.
Easier visa procedures and extended length of stay for foreign visitors entering Vietnam are positive signs for the tourism sector, especially amid peak tourism season for foreign visitors.
According to experts, the sector must offer unique and appealing tourism products, popularise tourism in key markets in a more professional manner, improve workforce quality, better manage destinations to ensure their safety, and step up digital transformation in tourism activities.
Tan Son Nhat Int'l Airport to see huge load on National Day holiday
Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City has prepared its operation plans to serve passengers, which is expected to sharply increase during the National Day holiday from September 1 to September 4, reported VNA.
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| Passengers wait for boarding at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Photo: VNA) |
According to the airport’s management board, during peak days from August 31 to September 4, the airport will serve an average of 720 flights with 125,000 passengers per day, even 130,000 passengers per day.
The airport will closely coordinate with airlines and ground service units to update flight schedules, proactively arrange resources and equipment for ground service units.
It has also required airline representatives to be present at the counter/boarding gates to guide and provide information for passengers; and to handle delay and cancellation of flights.
Since August 26, the airport has reopened more gates of international terminals to serve both domestic and international flights.
It has also piloted the airport collaborative decision making (ACDM) model, and a biometric authentication system for passengers who use electronic identity cards, contributing to easing congestion, significantly improving flight delays and cancellations.
During the peak period of the summer from June 1 to August 15, it served 56,195 flights with a total of over 9. 5 million passengers, up 3.76% and 6.67%, respectively, over the same period last year. Especially, the number of international visitors increased by 103%.
Vietnamese travelers prefer Bangkok tour for coming national holiday
According to VOV, booking.com, one of the leading global digital travel brands, has revealed the list of the top 10 most-searched international destinations that Vietnamese travelers are eager to visit during the upcoming Independence Day holiday.
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| A Vietnamese couple enjoy their holiday in Bangkok, Thailand |
According to the Booking.com’s Travel Confidence Index 2023, local travelers are looking forward to hitting the roads and the skies and making the most of the final long weekend of the year.
At present, many tourists are searching for international destinations closer to home, with Bangkok topping the most-searched list. Singapore ranked second, while third place went to Seoul of the Republic of Korea.
It was followed by Taipei (China), Hong Kong (China), Tokyo in Japan, Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, Sydney in Australia, Ubub of Indonesia, and Chiang Mai in Thailand.
The travel website also revealed the top 10 most-searched domestic destinations by Vietnamese travelers with check-in dates from September 2 to September 4.
It noted that local travelers enjoy beach destinations, with 61% choosing islands and beaches as their top places of interest for travel, followed by cities at 60%.
Amongst the most-booked destinations for the Independence Day weekend, Da Nang topped the list, followed by Vung Tau and Nha Trang.
Rounding off the list of top 10 most-searched domestic destinations was Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Hanoi, Ha Long, Phu Quoc, and Hoi An.
The study computed for an index which was based on specific metrics such as willingness to travel, potential travel spend, duration, number of intended trips, and travel propensity given the current macroeconomic state. Other areas that the study explored include travel and booking considerations, views on sustainability, and other market-specific questions.
Vietnamese and Korean culture and cuisine promoted at Tran Nhan Tong pedestrian street
The best features of culture, art, and cuisine of Vietnam and the Republic of Korea were introduced to the public in Hanoi through performances and exchanges during the Vietnam-RoK Food and Culture Festival 2023 at the Tran Nhan Tong pedestrian street in Hanoi, reported NDO.
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| Ethnic musical instrument group of FPT University performed at the festival. (Photo: Organising board) |
The festival aims to introduce and promote the unique cultural features of Vietnam and the RoK to the residents of the capital through cultural, artistic, and culinary activities. It also aims to strengthen the cultural and commercial relationship between the two countries.
Vietnam-Korea Food and Culture Festival was a great opportunity for anyone who loves to explore the RoK’s culture and cuisine.
The festival featured 14 companies in the fields of food, cosmetics, and content production. Along with culinary activities.
Participants joined a flashmob dance to the song Flower by BLACKPINK member Jisoo.
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| Photo: Dishes introduced at the festival. |
A series of additional activities have been organised, such as Vietnam-RoK children's fashion show; a Vietnamese-Korean culinary demonstration; a check-in with Hanbok; and experiencing Korean and Vietnamese folk games.
Professors and students from six universities in Gyeongbuk Province joined the festival, including Andong National University, Kyungwoon University, Kyungil University, Daegu University, Daegu Hanny University, Yeungnam University, and Jeju Tourism University from Jeju Province.
This year, the festival also featured 14 companies in the fields of food, cosmetics and content production./.