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| Vietnam is emerging as a favoured international destination for Indian travelers (Photo: VOV) |
A report from Mastercard's Economics Institute, titled Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries, said Indian outbound travel to Vietnam skyrocketed by 248% compared to 2019 levels, followed by the US and Japan, with growth rates of 59% and 53%, respectively.
These figures, compiled for the January-March 2024 period, also indicate a significant shift in traveler preferences. The emerging trends hold promise for the travel sector, considering that India is expected to see nearly 20 million more people entering the middle class over the next five years, the report added.
"We're seeing more international trips from travelers coming from India than at any time in history. India is the fastest growing major market in the world now and, in the foreseeable future, it is likely to be an ongoing (growth) story. The desire for travel, jewellery and high-end clothing options will remain very strong with growing disposable incomes, and an aspirational lifestyle," said David Mann, chief economist, Asia Pacific, Mastercard.
Additionally, according to the report, Indian travelers have extended their trips by an additional day in the year ended March 2024, compared to 2019’s corresponding period. This trend underscores a burgeoning appetite for immersive and meaningful travel experiences. Moreover, cruise vacations have witnessed remarkable growth, exceeding the 2019 highs.
An analysis of Indian passenger arrivals data for popular destinations such as the US, Japan and Vietnam revealed that while a strong dollar may have diverted tourists away from the US, Indian passenger arrivals soared by 59% compared to 2019 levels.
Vietnam, which recently added direct flights, has seen a two and a half times increase in travel. This reinforces the strength of demand for intra-regional travel as well, Mann said.
Over 4,500 athletes join marathon in Binh Thuan
The Stop and Run Marathon BTV Binh Thuan 2024 was held in the central province of Binh Thuan on May 19, drawing over 4,500 athletes at home and abroad, said the Vietnam News Agency.
The event was jointly organised by the provincial Department of Culture and Sports, the Binh Thuan Radio and Television Station, and Stop And Sports Co. Ltd.
The runners competed in various distances, including 5km, 10km, 21km and challenging 42 km.
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| Athletes finish the 42km distance at the Stop And Run Marathon BTV Binh Thuan 2024. (Photo: VNA) |
Truong Van Hieu, Nguyen Van Loi, Trinh Minh Tam and Nguyen Van Chinh finished first in the men’s 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km events respectively while Nguyen Thi Lien, Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong, Nguyen Thi Thanh Tuyen and Nguyen Thi Minh Hien won the women’s 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km races.
This competition formed part of activities held to commemorate the 134th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890-2024). It also aimed to promote sports movement in the community.
It is one of the few tournaments in Vietnam meeting international standards, so runners' achievements will be considered for their eligible participation in world marathon majors such as New York Marathon and Boston Marathon.
German-Vietnamese writer releases new children’s book
German-Vietnamese writer Isabelle Müller will be taking readers on another fantasy journey in her new picture book that will be published on Children’s Day (June 1), said the Vietnam News Agency.
The book, entitled Hip Hop and the Master Singer, is the third work in the series about a little flea called Hip Hop.
In his first and second adventures, published in 2022 and 2023, Hip Hop heads to the fantasy land of Ellsaby and the Golden Forest, and in this third one, he will travel to the city of Falbalo, a valley away from his home - Green Valley Zoo.
In Falbalo City, all the songbirds have suddenly fallen silent. They have been ignored by humans for far too long. Now some bird species are in danger of disappearing forever as they have forgotten how to sing and how to defend themselves if necessary.
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The cover of Hip Hop and the Master Singer, German-Vietnamese writer Isabelle Muller's
new children book. (Photo courtesy of Ho CHi Minh City General Publishing House) |
Master Singer Cosma could certainly fix this, but she would need help in order to be successful. Hip Hop and the Master Singer will reveal how Hip Hop and his friends are able to rescue the songbirds from their desperate situation before spring arrives.
Lovingly told by Müller, with detailed illustrations by Daniel Gaucher, this book about the flea’s next great adventure focuses on cohesion and the need for more mindfulness in life.
“In our actual world, everything is moving faster and faster," said Müller.
“This book shows how important it is to maintain and develop awareness of our surroundings. In the circle of life, everything is connected (humans, animals, nature) and we should cultivate this circle and honour it with respect.
"Hip Hop's next adventure awakens this awareness and emphasises the importance of cohesion and creativity to solve problems.”
Hip Hop and the Master Singer is expected to be published in three languages – Vietnamese, English and German – by Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House.
It is suitable for children aged six to ten and all proceeds will be donated to the LOAN Foundation (LOAN Stiftung) which aims to help Vietnamese disadvantaged children in mountainous areas have a better life.
Around 32,000 people visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on President's 134th birthday
Nearly 32,000 people, including 1,682 foreigners, paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum from May 18-19 on the occasion of the late leader’s 134th birth anniversary (May 19, 1890- May 19, 2024), the Vietnam News Agency quoted the figures of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Management Board.
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| Around 32,000 people visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on President's 134th birthday. (Photo: VNA) |
The Hanoi Department of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Management Board delivered bread and a bottle of water or milk free of charge to each of the visitors.
President Ho Chi Minh was born on May 19, 1890 in Kim Lien commune, Nam Dan district, the central province of Nghe An. He devoted his whole life to the cause of national liberation, while tirelessly striving for peace and progress around the world.
He led the struggle for national independence and established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in 1945.
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| People pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum (Photo: VOV) |
The President passed away in 1969. His body was embalmed and placed in a glass coffin inside the granite mausoleum.
The mausoleum has become an important landmark of the capital city and is integral to the political and social history of Vietnam./.