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| Tourists at the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature Complex) (Photo: VNA) |
In 2023, the figure hit 12.6 million, surpassing the initial target by 57% and achieving the adjusted goal of 12-13 million. The number of domestic travelers, meanwhile, stood at 108 million, up 6% compared to the set target. Tourism activities generated about 678 trillion VND (27.85 billion USD) in revenue, 4.3% higher than the yearly plan.
Despite substantial recovery in 2023, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) said the domestic tourism recovery will still face challenges in the year ahead. This is particularly true in the context of the unpredictable global developments stemming from economic uncertainties, regional conflicts, and climate change.
Vietnam's socio-economic conditions remain stable, and the economy continues to grow, and inflation has been kept in check. But the persistent threat of disease, and natural disasters are likely to create uncertainty affecting production, business activities, and the daily lives of citizens.
According to forecasts from the UN World Tourism Organisation and the World Travel and Tourism Council, international travel activities may fully recover by the end of 2024, reaching the levels achieved in 2019. However, the recovery is expected to be uneven across different regions.
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| Visitors flock to a market space in Phu Quoc island, the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang. (Photo: nhandan.vn) |
The ever-changing demands of international tourists require higher standards concerning product quality, diversity and unique experiences. The trends of integrating information technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation are envisioned to drive the emergence of new forms of tourism.
Based on these analyses and projections, Vietnam aims to serve 17-18 million foreign and 110 million domestic visitors this year, with an expected total revenue from tourism nearing 840 trillion VND.
Vietnam wins additional silver at 2024 Asian shooting championships
Athletes Ha Minh Thanh, Phan Xuan Chuyen and Vu Tien Nam on January 14 joined the 25m standard pistol event, the final competition for Vietnamese shooters at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2024 in Jakarta, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
As a result, Thanh amassed 566 points, while Chuyen and Nam contributed 562 and 551 points, respectively, resulting in a team total of 1,679 points and securing a silver medal. This marks the second silver for this trio in the team event and also the second for the Vietnamese delegation at the tournament.
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| The Vietnamese trio at 2024 Asian Shooting Championships (Photo: VNA) |
The gold medal in the event was clinched by Indian shooters with a score of 1,690 points, while the host nation, Indonesia, earned the bronze with 1,666 points.
The Vietnamese delegation currently holds the fifth position overall with one gold and two silvers.
The competition is set to continue until January 18 with air rifle and 25m rapid fire pistol events.
Nearly 1,500 runners join Dien Bien Phu Marathon 2024
The Dien Bien Phu Marathon 2024 unfolded amidst the picturesque landscapes in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien on January 14, with 1,500 athletes at home and abroad taking part, said the Vietnam News Agency.
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| Runners in 5km race (Photo: VNA) |
In his opening speech, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyen Quang Hung underscored the significance of this sporting extravaganza within the larger context of the Dien Bien Phu - Cherry Blossom Festival 2024. The three-day festival, opened on January 12, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties, the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, and the National Tourism Year 2024.
The event aims to promote the images of Dien Bien's land, people and rich cultural heritage. The primary objective is to allure visitors to explore the province and the city of Dien Bien Phu, thus fostering the growth of services, trade and tourism, he added.
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| A Japanese runner finishes first in the 42km race (Photo: VNA) |
Following the opening ceremony, an impressive cohort of nearly 620 athletes engaged in a 5km run, while others competed in varied distances, including 10 km, 21 km, and the challenging 42 km. The runners traversed scenic routes spanning Dien Bien Phu city and Dien Bien district.
At the end of the competition, the organising board awarded a total of 24 prizes, including eight first, eight second and eight third prizes amounting to 55 million VND (2,290 USD)./.