An upturn was also seen in many other markets, including Europe with 8.1 percent, America 10.6 percent, Oceania 4 percent, and Africa 19.2 percent.

According to the General Statistics Office, the country welcomed about 15.5 million international visitors in 2018, an increase of 19.9 percent or 2.6 million over 2017.

Foreign visitors at Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourism site.

HCM City led the country once again with 36.5 million visits, including 7.5 million foreign and 29 million domestic. Hanoi welcomed about 28 million visits, including 5.5 million foreign.

Notably, the northern province of Quang Ninh emerged as an attractive new destination this year. It attracted 12.5 million visits, including 5.3 million foreign, surpassing the central city of Da Nang with 7.7 million, including nearly 3 million international visitors.

Tourism revenue is estimated at 620 trillion VND (26.5 billion USD) in 2018, an increase of nearly 110 trillion VND against the previous year.

During the year, 380 new travel firms received international business licenses, while 4,678 individuals got new tour guide licenses. Currently, Vietnam has 28,000 accommodation facilities with over 550,000 rooms, a rise of more than 2,400 facilities against 2017.

For 2019, the tourism sector targets 103 million visits, including 18 million foreign. The sector is determined to complete the goal of becoming a spearhead economic sector one year ahead of the schedule.

Vietnam rated among 10 cheapest destinations for Australians

Vietnam has been named among the 10 most ideal places for budget-minded Australian travelers to go in 2019 by travel website Traveller.

 

Tiny isle in Binh Thuan – ideal destination for nature lovers

Those who love indulging themselves at a nature retreat will like Cau isle, a secluded spot in the central province of Binh Thuan, between May and September.

 

Imperial Hue named as one of five must-go destinations in SE Asia

The former imperial capital of Hue in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue is among the five must-go destinations in Southeast Asia listed by the Discovery DCODE (discoverydcode.com) TV channel.

 

Middle East, Africa as potential destinations for Vietnamese goods

Vietnamese enterprises should engage more in trade promotion activities in the Middle East and Africa, particularly as its traditional export markets are becoming oversaturated.

 

Australian Finder chooses Da Nang among global destinations of 2019

Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang has been chosen by Australian travel website Finder as one of the best travel destinations in 2019.

 

Source: VNA