Foreign tourists to Hanoi expected to exceed 7 million in 2019
The number of tourists to Hanoi is estimated to reach nearly 29 million in 2019, up 10 percent from the previous year, including over 7 million foreigners, a year-on-year rise of 17 percent.
The pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem lake and Hanoi Old Quarter are popular destinations for Hanoians and tourists (Photo VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The number oftourists to Hanoi is estimated to reach nearly 29 million in 2019, up 10percent from the previous year, including over 7 million foreigners, ayear-on-year rise of 17 percent.
According to the municipal Department ofTourism, the tourism sector is expected to gross over 103.8 trillion VND (4.48billion USD) in revenue, up 34 percent compared to the previous year.
In 2019, Hanoi won the Travelers’ Choice Awardsand was ranked among the 25 leading destinations in Asia, and the 25 world’sleading places on TripAdvisor website.
CNN listed Hanoi along with Phu Quoc Island inthe Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang as the best travel destinations in Asiain 2019. Many highlights of Hanoi were listed in the CNN’s article suggesting13 memorable experiences for foreign visitors in Vietnam such as “search forthe best pho in Hanoi”, “make vermicelli noodles in Cu Da village”, and “ridethe Reunification Express (officially known as North-South Railway)”.
The city has coordinated with CNN to promote itsimage through short advertising clips such as “Hanoi-Cradle of Heritage” and“Hanoi-Heart of Vietnam”, which have attracted a lot of foreign viewers.
After completing the deal for 2018-2019, thecapital signed another contract with CNN for 2019-2024.
In 2019, Hanoi was also ranked fifth amongthe seven best places in Asia for solotravellers by Bigseventravel. The Italian tourism website describedHanoi as a hectic, crazy and often confusing city, and a wonderful basefrom which to explore the north of Vietnam, including the world naturalheritage site of Ha Long Bay in the northeastern province of Quang Ninhand the popular resort town of Sa Pa in the northern mountainous provinceof Lao Cai.
According to Mastercard’s Asia PacificDestinations Index, Hanoi ranked 15th among the 20 leading destinations in theregion.
Hanoi was also shortlisted for the World’sLeading City Destination at the 2019 World Travel Awards (WTA).
In 2020, the capital city strives to welcomeapproximately 32 million visitors, including 8.22 million foreigners, up 10.2percent and 17 percent year-on-year respectively.
The total tourism revenue is expected to exceed116.7 trillion VND, a yearly rise of 12.5 percent./.
Secretary of the Party Committee of Hanoi Hoang Trung Hai has asked the city’s tourism sector to invest further in the development of tourism products and infrastructure in order to promote the city’s image and attract more tourists.
Hanoi has been shortlisted for the World’s Leading City Destination at the 2019 World Travel Awards (WTA), providing an excellent opportunity for the Vietnamese capital to promote itself as a safe and friendly destination for both domestic and foreign visitors.
Localities like Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh, when reorganised, could form a new growth pole, leveraging their combined potential in ecological, historical, and spiritual tourism.
Gulf News, one of two English-language daily publications in the Persian Gulf region, listed the main reasons for its destination picks as being a mix of iconic cities, cultural treasures, tropical escapes, and foodie havens.
With the country rapidly advancing its plan to merge provincial-level administrative units, set to be completed by mid-August, the tourism industry, along with other sectors, is presented with challenges but also significant opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth in the era of the nation's rise.
Located at an altitude of over 1,500 metres above sea level, Sapa is dubbed the “Switzerland of Vietnam” for its temperate climate, breathtaking scenery, and European-inspired architecture.
A quick search for “Vietnam is calling” on TikTok reveals a myriad of clips capturing the excitement of visitors setting off for Vietnam, with short videos showing tourists holding their passports, wheeling their suitcases through airports or exploring Vietnam’s scenic landscapes, diverse cuisine and unique culture - all set to upbeat, catchy soundtracks.
The number of visitors increased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, while total tourism revenue surged by 48.8%, or nearly 88% of the year’s target.
“There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines,” according to Lonely Planet.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.