‘Free & Easy’ tour service popular in Vietnam

Posted by admin on May 18, 2011 under Vietnam tour, Vietnam travel News | 3 Comments to Read

‘Free & Easy’ tour service which arranges air travel tickets and hotel bookings without tour itineraries and tour guides is gaining popularity in Vietnam due to escalating prices in domestic travel.

Local tour operators offer cheap deals in a bid to maintain domestic customers, though the popularity of the ‘Free & Easy’ service has made many tourism agencies unhappy in recent time.

The number of people registering for ‘Free & Easy’ tours increased sharply this year. By choosing ‘Free & Easy’ tours people can meet their tightened budget but tour companies have seen a reduction on package tours this year.

Pham Duc Hoa, deputy head of the Domestic Travel Department of Saigon Tourist, said that the number of people registering for package tours has dropped considerably; hence, the company has been compelled to promote ‘Free & Easy’ tours.

During the recent four-day long holiday, the number of people registering for ‘Free & Easy’ tours was about 25-30%.

Now not just tourist agencies but also airlines seem to exploit this service for domestic and foreign destination travellers.

Hoa believes that the widespread popularity of this service will surely affect businesses and sales in tourist agencies.

Package tours were always the best choice for the elderly, but ‘Free & Easy’ tours are very popular with the young who need not depend on tour schedules and can afford a reasonable rate.

Hoa thinks that single tourists or those wanting to travel in small groups are more interested in this service because they can arrange more personalized tours. Customers can call the company to ask for ‘Free & Easy’ service and book air tickets or hotel rooms and plan their vacation as per these bookings.

Source: SGGP

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Complimentary crêpes add French flair to Emeraude cruise through Ha Long Bay

Posted by admin on March 28, 2011 under Vietnam Travel in the North, Vietnam tour, Vietnam travel News | Read the First Comment

VIETNAM – In a fitting tribute to its French colonial history, Emeraude Classic Cruises is now offering guests complimentary crêpes on every journey through the splendors of Ha Long Bay.

Guests will enjoy this new interpretation of an old tradition on the sundeck of the paddle steamer every day from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Emeraude’s award-winning cuisine is displayed to best effect with this crêpe station, which will offer a selection of fillings inspired by European and Asian dishes.

The first Emeraude paddle steamer was built by a French family, the Roques, who were investors in Indochina in the late 19th century. The current near-replica, which comes complete with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning and classically appointed cabins, hearkens back to the days of French colonial adventures in Vietnam.

Crêpes, an enchanting afternoon treat reminiscent of the Emeraude’s origins, are a delightful addition to the variety of amenities Emeraude Classic Cruises offers its guests in ongoing efforts to add variety and flair to its renowned Halong Bay cruises.

A different side to Can Gio

Posted by admin on March 11, 2011 under Vietnam Travel Guide, Vietnam tour | Read the First Comment

Mention Can Gio, the most remote district of HCMC, and people think of mangrove forests, mudflats and coconut trees. However, there is a different Can Gio, with friendly locals, shady roads and quaint villages on a small peninsula that awaits discovery.

From Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can take a motorbike on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in District 4, then turn to Huynh Tat Phat Street in District 7, cross Binh Khanh Ferry then head for 40 kilometers along Rung Sac road.

The recently sealed Run Sac road used to be a nightmare of mud and puddles,

Locals shop in Can Gio Market – Photos: Minh Tam

but now it’s a smooth highway through forests full of birds and monkeys.

A stop at a guesthouse at Can Thanh Town will give you insight into the lives of local fishermen. There are no luxury hotels but it’s very peaceful and clean.

In the afternoon, walk to the wharf to watch the small fishing boats putter home from sea with fish, crab and shrimps.

Then stop by Can Gio Market by the sea to visit the local fishmongers.

The small restaurants on Duyen Hai Street are not to be missed with seafood straight off the boats for VND15,000 to 120,000 a dish.

Tourism developed in southern provinces

Posted by admin on February 22, 2011 under Vietnam tour, Vietnam travel News | Read the First Comment

Tourism developed in southern provincesThe fruitful tourism cooperation between the three northwestern provinces of Lao Cai, Yen Bai and Phu Tho during the past 6 years has contributed to the socio-economic development of each province and to the improvement of local people’s living standards.

The tourism infrastructure in the area has been much improved thanks to a large investment from these provinces. More hotels and other tourist facilities have been built in remote areas such as Nghia Lo in Yen Bai and Sapa in Lao Cai.

Hundreds of high standard restaurants have opened for visitors. These provinces have launched many new tours to historical sites, landscapes and explore local special cultural identities for tourists.

Last year, these provinces welcome more than 2 million visitors, earning more than 1,000 billion VND. Yen Bai Province alone earned 115 billion VND with more than 300,000 visitors.

This year, these provinces’ tourism sector targets to receive more than 5.5 million visitors including 400,000 international visitors and earn over 1,200 billion VND. Many special tourist programs and cultural activities are expected to be carried out to promote tourism. Incentive policies are also applied to attract investors in tourism projects.

Main activities of these provinces’ tourism cooperation program “Return to Roots 2011”:

- Au Co Temple festival from February 7th to 9th in Hien Luong Commune, Ha Hoa District, Phu Tho.

- The ceremony of the “Return to Roots 2011” program from February 26th to 28th in Nghia Lo Town, Yen Bai.

- Thuong Temple Festival from February 16th to 18th in Lao Cai City.

- Tren May – Sapa Festival 2011 from April 30th to May 4th in Sapa District, Lao Cai

- Hung Kings Festival from April 6th to 12th in Phu Tho

- Bac Ha Traditional Horse Race Open 2011 on June 27th to 28th at Bac Ha District’s stadium, Lao Cai.

- Thac Ba Festival in June in Yen Binh Commune, Yen Bai

- Fansipan Mountain Climbing Tournament from October 27th to 29th in Sapa

- Muong Lo Tourism and Culture Week in October in Nghia Lo Commune, Yen Bai

- Mu Cang Chai Tourism and Culture week in October in Yen Bai.

Source: qdnd.vn

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Russia – key market for Vietnamese tourism

Posted by admin on February 17, 2011 under Vietnam tour, Vietnam travel News | Be the First to Comment

Russia – key market for Vietnamese tourismRussia is an important market for Vietnamese tourism and has high expectations, said Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Travel Association.

Over the past five years, tourists from Russia have always been among the leading groups of foreign visitors with the highest growth of 20-30 percent, according to statistics supplied by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

However, the number of Russian tourists was still low in 2010 with about 100,000 visitors due to the geographic distance and a lack of promotions.

Tourists from Russia like the coastal resorts and luxurious relaxing tourist destinations. On average they also stay longer and spend more, around 1,600-1,700 USD, an annual increase of 50-80 percent, according to estimates from Vietnam ’s travel agencies.

They are also interested in local products such as clothes, footwear, embroidery work, gemstones, handicrafts and silk.

Bui Nguyen Tam Dang, Director of Vietravel’s overseas market group, said that Russia has always been considered a market with huge potential. In 2010, the number of Russian tourists welcomed by Vietravel rose by 20 percent against the previous years figure.

In Vietnam , Phan Thiet and Nha Trang in the central coastal provinces of Binh Thuan and Khanh Hoa, are the leading destinations in terms of attracting Russian tourists, said Dang.

Russia ’s airline Vladivostok Air opened a direct route to Cam Ranh in Khanh Hoa province in late 2010 and could increase the number of Russian visitors to the central coastal province by 50 percent in 2011, Dang estimated.

Travel agencies operating in the Russian market say that Winter time is the high season for Russian travellers. Their counterparts in Russia have also promoted tours to Southeast Asian nations like Thailand , Indonesia and Vietnam , instead of Egypt due to unstable political situation.

To make the most of the opportunity, Vietravel says it is working with service providers, especially hotels and resorts in Nha trang and Phan thiet to attract more visitors from this promising market.

Localities with the potential for maritime tourism like Da Nang City and Quang Nam province in central Vietnam , are looking at ways of attracting more Russian tourists.

Tran Chi Cuong, Head of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Travel Management Division, said that along with the continued investment in coastal tourist sites, the city will focus on promotions in Russia in the future.

Vietnam’s tourism industry will attend the MITT international tourism fair in March in Russia, and is creating a project to develop key markets, including Russia.

Source: vietnamplus

Rekindle romance on a romantic getaway

Posted by admin on February 15, 2011 under Attractions, Vietnam Travel Guide, Vietnam tour, Vietnam travel News, vietnam beauty | Read the First Comment

Rekindle romance on a romantic getaway Snuggle with your sweetie in these spots from Bora Bora to Croatia
While we tend to think most of romance around Valentine’s Day, our favorite romantic getaways are guaranteed to rekindle a long-standing romance, or kick a new one up a notch, all year long. Whether you choose to cuddle up on a gondola ride in Venice; snuggle under a blanket on a caleche ride in Quebec City; dance cheek-to-cheek in Buenos Aires; spend long days canoodling on spectacular islands like Bora Bora, Santorini, and Nevis; cruise magical Halong Bay; or discover breathtaking Dubrovnik together, you’re bound to feel a renewed (or new) sense of intimacy with your partner. Of course, no list of this sort would be complete without a nod to Paris, the epitome of romantic getaways (and site of countless marriage proposals), but dear Santa Barbara, closer to home, is just as ripe for a tryst, with countless spas and vineyards in the vicinity that are sure to help you and yours relax — and lose your inhibitions.

1. Buenos Aires, Argentina

As the old saying goes, it takes two to tango — and there’s no better place to practice your moves with your partner than on a romantic getaway to Buenos Aires, the birthplace of this incredibly sexy dance. Watching expert tango dancers spin around the dance floor at one of the local venues here is already hot stuff — women dress the part in fishnet stockings, heels, and high-slit dresses, while men don tailored suits and cravats — but taking to the floor with your honey can make the temperature go higher still. Play the voyeur at neighborhood spots like Bar Sur (www.bar-sur.com.ar), or, put on your dancing shoes and trot your stuff at Centro Cultural Torquato Tasso (www.torquatotasso.com.ar), which also offers lessons for first-timers. When you need to rest your feet, this Paris of South America has a lot more to tempt visiting lovebirds, from elegant turn-of-the-century mansions and tree-lined boulevards reminiscent of European cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, to cozy bistros in trendy neighborhoods where diners linger over long meals. Plus, with the peso so low nowadays, this city — which once rivaled Manhattan in terms of price — is extremely affordable.

2. Bora Bora

If there’s one destination to blow your savings on in the name of love, this tiny, pricey South Pacific island is it. Novelist James A. Michener described Bora Bora as, “the most beautiful island in the world” and visitors to this romantic getaway’s far-flung shores rarely disagree. So small that the island road is a mere 19 miles long, this Polynesian idyll sits 143 miles northwest of Tahiti and boasts the best that nature can offer: a high-mountain center cloaked in jungle, a superb cobalt lagoon, a colorful coral reef, and pristine stretches of bone-white sand dotted with fallen coconut husks. When you’re not discovering the many bounties of this island paradise, hang out at the local watering hole, Bloody Mary’s (www.boraboraisland.com/bloodymarys), where Pierce Brosnan has been known to woo his leading lady, or send off the sun with a sunset catamaran cruise. Come nightfall, few can resist bedding down at a lavishly appointed over-the-water bungalow.

3. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Couples in search of romance are flocking to this wondrous city on the southernmost stretch of Croatia’s coast, as enchanted by its beauty today as the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, who once proclaimed, “If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik.” The city has been magnificently restored to its former glory to emerge as one of the most fashionable vacation spots in all of Europe. Dubrovnik’s resurgent popularity should come as no surprise, however — this “jewel of the Adriatic,” as the coastal resort town is often referred to in tourist brochures, is breathtakingly beautiful and a magnet for dreamy-eyed lovers in search of a romantic getaway. The city’s fortified old town overlooks the dazzling Adriatic from a shelter of limestone cliffs and its marble-paved streets are lined with marvelously preserved churches, stately palaces, squares, and terracotta-roofed townhouses. Meanwhile, down below, along the seaside coast, fine beaches beckon — as do a slew of offshore islands — making Dubrovnik uniquely appealing to just about any taste.

4. Halong Bay, Vietnam

Now that you’ve found your knight in shining armor, put his dragon-slaying skills to the test in this ancient dragon’s lair near the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. Indeed, “Ha Long” means “where the dragon descends into the sea” and, once you’re sailing the enchanting emerald-green waters here, you’ll easily understand why the bay is believed to have been formed by the thrashing of a dragon’s tail. It’s a sight that confirms this corner of Vietnam’s status as one of the most romantic getaways in Asia; undoubtedly the country’s most mesmerizing natural setting, this UNESCO-protected area is dotted with grottoes, some 3,000 limestone islets (only one of which is inhabited), and often shrouded in mist, which only adds to its mystique. While day trips are available, we strongly recommend booking an overnight cruise to experience the bay’s phenomenal sunset and sunrise, as well as more of its splendid landscapes. Our favorite agencies for 2-day cruises are Emeraude Classic Cruises. To book halong bay cruises, please check out at the website http://Vietnamhotels.net/.

5. Nevis

If you’re craving a Caribbean getaway that’s just as high on romance as it is on R & R, look no further than darling Nevis (pronounced n-EE-vis), the sister island of St. Kitts. A quiet, old-Caribbean charm reigns on this 36-square-mile patch of land that famously produced Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Nowadays, cocooning lovers can hole up on romantic getaways in converted plantation houses — rather than sterile high-rise beach resorts — where atmospheric verandahs, louvered windows, and four-poster beds guarantee your hours, if not days, will be spent canoodling. Should you decide to leave your room, the island’s scenery is equally entrancing: Disused stone sugar mills are now overgrown with vines, lush island paths invite hiking and horseback riding, and sugarcane fields lead to remarkable restaurants serving fine Creole fare. Add in the fact that Nevis is still relatively difficult to get to (you have to change planes in St. Maarten, Antigua, or Puerto Rico), and you’ll be looking at spending serious quality time with your sweetie — without having to share him or her with other vacationing sun worshipers.

6. Paris, France

Parisian culture seems inherently designed for romance, with countless settings tailor-made for those only-in-the-movies-type kisses: manicured gardens with perfect make-out benches lie around every corner; lamp-lit pedestrian quays along the Seine invite stolen smooches; and majestic plazas and tucked-away squares like Place des Vosges offer storybook backdrops for marriage proposals. A perch atop any of the city’s famous ponts (bridges) are also sure to get your heart racing: linger on Paris’s oldest bridge, Pont Neuf; check out the animated arts-and-music scene of Pont des Arts; or take in the phenomenal views of the Eiffel Tower from the elaborate Pont Alexandre III. Undoubtedly, for some, the height of a romantic getaway here can be found at the top of the Eiffel Tower itself; coordinate your viewing with one of Paris’s lovely sunsets, and the city will blush pink right along with you.

7. Quebec City, Canada

With its homegrown French language, colonial architecture, and horse-drawn carriages, Quebec City is inherently designed with romantic getaways in mind. Encircled by ancient stone ramparts, and speckled with lovely squares, quaint cafés, and striking historical buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also blessed with a phenomenal natural setting above the mighty St. Lawrence River, with plenty of vantage points from which to view the coursing waters. Each season brings its own special charms, too: While summers encourage late-night lingering over wine at outdoor cafés, the chilly winters give lovers all the more reason to snuggle up under a blanket in a horse-drawn caleche or get cozy with a delectable fondue for two at a first-rate French restaurant. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, stay in a quaint 17th-century auberge (inn), complete with wood-beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls to round out the otherwordly experience.

8. Santa Barbara, California

Bona fide beach town, the Santa Ynez wine-producing region next door, and loads of spa retreats within driving distance . . . it’s no wonder California’s Santa Barbara gets our nod in the romantic getaways department. Its splendid location, between palm-fringed Pacific beaches and the evergreen Santa Ynez Mountains, quaint Spanish- and Mediterranean-style architecture, gourmet fare, and posh hotels have attracted West Coast residents for quiet weekends for decades. And no wonder: From wine-tasting in one of the country’s largest wine-producing regions and supping on sublime organic foods, to enjoying massages for two and strolling barefoot on the beach at sunset, a visit here is an undeniably heady experience. Tack on an outing in a hot air balloon — a favorite local activity — and you’ll be guaranteed to swoon over the scenery, as well as your companion!

9. Santorini, Greece

Some may think island romance is overrated, but then they’ve probably never been to Santorini. The most visually stunning of all the Greek Cyclades, this beguiling honeymoon spot has all the trappings of a dream vacation: Postcard-perfect cliffside villages, exotic black-sand volcanic beaches, transcendent sunsets, luxurious cave-rock hotels, dramatic striated red-and-gray cliffs stretching to the sky, and the Aegean’s finest wineries. Built atop volcanic ashes — on the ruins of what some theorize to be the lost city of Atlantis — the resplendent whitewashed beauty’s remarkable physical characteristics — its jagged cliffs, dark volcanic rock, and crescent shape carved out by the sea — are manifestations of its eruptive history. These days, romantic getaways to Santorini are more likely to incite personal passions, whether on a visit to the enchanting cliff-side village of Oia, gazing at mesmerizing sunsets over the Aegean, or simply absorbing the best of Mediterranean romance in all its glory.

10. Venice, Italy

An extraordinary waterfront wonderland where ancient palazzi seemingly float above water, Venice manages to be both serene and seductive all at once. While its labyrinthine cobblestone streets certainly encourage lovers to stroll hand in hand, it’s the city’s iconic gondolas that really up the romantic ante. Picture yourself, a due, tucked in an intricate, hand-carved boat, and punted along dreamlike canals by a young Italian gondolier who serenades you as you glide under delicately arched bridges — the aptly-named Bridge of Sighs among them — and past flower-laden balconies. Other Venetian draws sure to set your heart aflutter include sipping Bellinis to the sounds of classical music in the majestic Piazza San Marco or catching a view of spires and rooftops from atop the Campanile di San Marco.

Theo msnbc

Special activities to mark VN Tourism Year

Posted by admin on January 27, 2011 under Vietnam tour, Vietnam travel News | Read the First Comment

National Tourism Year 2011 which highlights the southern central coastal region will kick off in Phu Yen province on April 1.

The organising board said at a Jan. 25 press briefing that an artistic programme to celebrate the 400th founding anniversary of Phu Yen province will also take place on the same day with People’s Artist Le Ngoc Cuong, former Head of the Performance Arts Agency, as the programme director.

Accordingly, over 30 special events will be organised in eight southern central coastal cities and provinces of Danang , Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan and Phu Yen during the event.

Highlights for the event will include the International Yacht Festival in Mui Ne beach, Binh Thuan province from March 17-20, an International Firework Display in Danang city on April 29-30, the ASEAN Traditional Music Festival on June 1-7 in Phu Yen, the Nha Trang Sea Festival on June 11-15 and the cultural, sports and tourism festival of ethnic groups in the central and Central Highlands region in Phu Yen in July.

In preparation for the national promotion, the cities and provinces have worked with the National Tourism Administration to conduct two surveys in tourism destinations to create inter-regional tourism products.

Phu Yen province, as the host of the event, has also built up several cultural, sports and tourism establishments and stepped up the development of infrastructure and transport to meet visitors’ demands.

With the theme, “Exotic Beach and Island”, National Tourism Year is an opportunity to promote the country’s sea and island tourism, effectively exploit tourism potential and boost investment promotion.

Source: VietnamPlus

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The slow boat to Phu Quy Island

Posted by admin on January 20, 2011 under Vietnam Travel in the South, Vietnam tour, Vietnam travel News | Read the First Comment

By Le Ba Lu in Phan Thiet

A stunning beach on Phu Quy Island

Phu Quy Island, also called Thu or Khoai Islet, is 120km from Phan Thiet City, between the mainland and Truong Sa Archipelago. The island covers 16 square kilometers and has many cultural and religious relics typical of central coast farming communities.

We left Phan Thiet Port at 7 a.m. The slow boat took eight hours. I was seasick most of the way because of the bumpy conditions. It was very tiring, but I jumped up straight away when the siren signaled our arrival.

Seen from the sea, Phu Quy Island looks like a dragon playing with clouds. From another angle it looks like a giant whale crossing the ocean.

Linh Son Pagoda on Cao Cat Mountain

The port is very busy. The locals speak with an accent that is hard to understand but they are very friendly. There are plenty of houses and coconut trees. Despite no fresh water streams, drinking water isn’t a problem because it can be pumped up from underground.

The island has many hills, knolls and sand dunes. Most of administrative offices, stadiums, schools, entertainments and traffic systems on the island are still new and there’s a few more being built. It looks a bit urban but there are  no numbers and no street names.

During four days on the island, I visited many places and met many foreign backpackers who were there to enjoy swimming or surfing on the island’s stunning beaches or bicycling around the trails. It has tourism appeal and will probably take off as a new destination in a few years.

I visited Linh Quang Pagoda in Tam Thanh Commune, which is over 250 years old, and contains artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty. Also, Thay Nai Temple built in the 17th century is a place where fishermen come to worship. Every year, locals hold a festival to pray for peace and better life.

A stone house by the sea – Photos: Le Ba Lu

Linh Son Pagoda, located on Cao Cat Mountain at 120 meters above sea level, is a beautiful building. It’s very peaceful. From there, I looked out across the island to see tiny boats drifting on the sea and coconut palms, the people in the town looked as small as ants.

When you come to Phu Quy you have to try the seafood – grilled lobsters, steamed turtle with salt and many kinds of dishes made of squid, oysters and clams. Long Vi Restaurant near Thay Nai Temple is a good venue.

There are just six hotels and guest houses in Tam Thanh Commune and they are all well equipped. The island only has power from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. everyday, but the weather at nighttime is a bit cold so there’s no need for a fan.

Phu Quy Island District comprises 10 islands, of which only Phu Quy is inhabited. The district has three communes, 5,466 households with 27,000 people, most of them fishermen.

Collected by Vietnam hotel

Vietnam to promote World Heritage sites at ATF

Posted by admin on January 19, 2011 under Vietnam tour, Vietnam travel News, Vietnam's World Heritage | Be the First to Comment

Vietnam to promote World Heritage sites at ATFThe tourism authority has chosen the World Heritage sites, the 1,000-year-old capital of Hanoi and the unique central coast as Vietnam’s highlights at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, deputy head of the marketing department of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), told the Daily on January 10 VNAT, the tourism authorities of Ho chi minh city, Danang, Phu Yen and Nghe An, and around 40 travel firms and hotels would join the event in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh from January 15 to January 21.

The Vietnamese delegation will showcase Vietnamese tourism products and services, and work with foreign buyers at the ATF Travex, a three-day travel trade mart set for January 19.

ASEAN member countries are among the main source markets of the domestic tourism sector along with China, Europe, and Northeast Asia. Tourist arrivals from ASEAN, mostly Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia, have also been on the rise in the past two years.

Cambodia is a case in point, with around 254,600 Cambodians visiting Vietnam in 2010, up 87% year-on-year.

The yearly forum will be attended by the 10 ASEAN countries to seek to promote ASEAN as a tourist destination. This year it goes with the theme “A World of Wonders and Diversity” and features other activities such as conference and travel exhibitions.

The ASEAN Tourism Conference will look into topics such as ecotourism and sustainable tourism in the region and management of tourism services in heritage sites.

According to a statement of the organizing committee, over 500 exhibition booths are occupied and around 1,000 buyers have put their names down to join the event.

Source: travelweekly.asia External link

A “Golden” successful year for Vietnam’s tourism industry

Posted by admin on January 18, 2011 under Vietnam Travel Guide, Vietnam tour, Vietnam travel News | Read the First Comment

A “Golden” successful year for Vietnam's tourism industry Vietnam Tourism has welcomed five-millionth international visitors in late 2010. It is considered as an important event which marks a great growth of the tourism industry in the period of 2005-2010 and confirms the position of Vietnam tourism.

This is also the outstanding event of Culture, Sports and Tourism Sector in 2010 – A year took place many great events of the country.

A high record

According to the General Director of Vietnam Administration Tourism – Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, 2010 is the first year of Vietnam tourism reached a high record within the past 20 years of nearly 420,000 international visitors per one month and 28 million domestic visitors. Of which international visitors increased 1.2 million, equivalent to 34.8% compared to 2009.

The tourism industry earned VND 96,000 billion, accounting for 5 percent of the country’s GDP, and provided employment for 1.4 million people. Currently, Vietnam is a popular destination for international visitors, especially visitors from Thailand, Japan, Singapore and Australia.

Vietnam welcomed 2.1 million international visitors in 2000, and more than 4.2 million in 2008. Ten years ago, the number of Vietnam tourists was 1/20 of Philippines; 1/40 of the developing countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Until now, Vietnam has exceeded Philippines. The growth rate of visitors has averaged about 20%. Visitors are mainly from Northeast Asia, ASEAN, Europe, North America, Oceania and other continents.

The strategy of the image promotion

Thanks to the campaign of image promotion in several international markets such as Western Europe, ASEAN, Northeast Asia, China…Vietnam’s tourism has a great achievement, The Deputy General Director – Department of National Administration of Tourism – Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong says.

In 2009, Vietnam tourism has succeeded in the 10-50 % discount campaign entitled “Vietnam Impression”.

In 2010, the promotional campaign of Vietnam tourism has focused effectively on the main point and expanded the scale and quality in the program of “Vietnam – Your destination”. In addition, the National Tourism Year 2010 was hold in Hanoi with full of cultural and tourism events. The biggest of which was the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi.

In 2011, Tourism industry will welcome about 5,3 million international arrivals and 30-31 million domestic arrivals with VND 110,000 billion as expected. Therefore, Vietnam tourism should continues to promote the images in international and domestic tourism fairs, launches markets and surveys tourism products in ASEAN, Europe, America… The National Tourism Year 2011 “Exotic beach and island” will be held in Phu Yen and the southern central coastal provinces.

Source: travelweekly.asia

Collected by Vietnam hotel