According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the local tourism sector welcomed around 40 million visitors, including 3,500 foreigners, last year. In the year, the industry earned a total revenue of VND180 trillion (USD7.75 billion), down 42 percent on-year.
The first tourists in Hue City this year
In 2022, the sector has set a goal to attract 65 million tourists, including five million foreigners, with revenues of VND400 trillion.
Pham Huy Binh, chairman of Saigontourist Group, said that the tourism industry needs to boost the promotion of safe destinations, which is very important amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Travel companies should diversify more products, he added.
Since November last year, Vietnam has piloted the welcome of foreign travellers again. This month, dozens of flights are expected to be conducted to bring foreign visitors to tourist sites, including Phu Quoc, Khanh Hoa and Quang Ninh.
Many localities have launched programmes to lure more visitors. The northern province of Quang Ninh has reduced entry tickets to Ha Long Bay, Yen Tu and Quang Ninh Museum by half in the first half of this year.
The central city of Danang has also continued offering free entrance to local state-owned tourist spots in 2022.
Meanwhile, Hanoi and 11 localities have signed an agreement for co-operation on safe tourism development amid the pandemic.
Phu Quoc City in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is expected to welcome 6.3 million visitors this year, including 300,000 foreigners. The city is co-operating with other localities for tourism development.