Vietnam is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for international tourists, as evidenced by a significant increase in travel inquiries, particularly for the upcoming holiday season. With the year-end holidays approaching, interest in exploring this vibrant country is on the rise.
Surge in Travel Inquiries
Recent data from the online travel services platform Agoda reveals that search volume for Vietnam has experienced a consistent upward trend, culminating in an astonishing 84% increase in September compared to the same period last year. This surge reflects the enthusiasm of international tourists planning their Christmas and New Year holidays in Vietnam. Interestingly, the growth rate shifted from a modest 4% year-on-year increase in July to 31% in August, showcasing the rising appeal of the country.
Resilience of Key Destinations
Despite facing challenges from Typhoon Yagi, tourist interest in northern Vietnam’s key regions remains robust. Booking data from Agoda indicates a 4% increase in room reservations from August to October for popular destinations such as Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Halong Bay, Haiphong, and Cat Ba. This resilience highlights the attractiveness of these areas, as travelers continue to seek memorable experiences in the face of natural adversities.
Vu Ngoc Lam, the director of Agoda Vietnam, expressed optimism about the influx of tourists, stating, “We expect tourist numbers to surge in October and late this year as we enter the peak season for international visitors and family travel.” The anticipation of increased visitor numbers underscores the growing popularity of Vietnam as a travel destination.
Impressive Growth in International Arrivals
According to the General Statistics Office, international arrivals to Vietnam in the first nine months of 2024 have risen by an impressive 43% compared to the same period in 2023. With 12.7 million international visitors already recorded, this figure has already surpassed the total number of tourists for the entirety of 2023. This remarkable growth showcases Vietnam’s appeal on the global stage.
Nguyen Le Phuc, the deputy director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, commented on the resilience of the tourism sector, stating, “Despite the impact from Typhoon Yagi in the northern regions, tourism activities have quickly recovered.” He further highlighted that the current growth rate suggests that the target of welcoming 17 to 18 million international tourists in 2024 is well within Vietnam’s tourism capacity.
Strategic Efforts to Attract Tourists
To further enhance tourism and attract more international visitors, Phuc emphasized the importance of promotional activities and major events. The tourism sector plans to organize initiatives such as the Vietnam Tourism Excellence Awards ceremony, the National Food Festival in Dien Bien, and Vietnam’s exhibition booth at the 2024 World Travel Market in the United Kingdom. These efforts aim to showcase Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings.
Moreover, Phuc stressed the need for localities and businesses to focus on diversifying and improving the quality of tourism products and tours. By emphasizing traditional cultural values, Vietnam can encourage higher tourist spending, extend the length of stay for international visitors, and ultimately increase tourism revenue.
Conclusion
The peak season for international tourism in Vietnam typically runs from September to October and continues until March and April of the following year. With a combination of strategic initiatives, cultural offerings, and the country’s natural beauty, Vietnam is poised to solidify its position as a top destination for global travelers. As interest continues to grow, the future of tourism in Vietnam looks bright.
