Vietnam

The Dutch-flagged 5-star Noordam cruise ship docked at Tien Sa port in Da Nang on 15 Nov, bringing nearly 2,000 international visitors from Europe and the Americas. The tourists visited major attractions in Da Nang, and left at 11pm on the same day of arrival. Earlier, Da Nang hosted the Blue Dream Melody cruise with 600 Chinese tourists on 11 Nov, which will return on 19 Nov. From Jan - Sep 2024, Da Nang recorded around 8.67 million overnight stays, +33% YoY

IHG's Senior Vice President & Managing Director for East Asia & Pacific revealed that the group plans to expand from 16 to over 40 properties in Vietnam, increasing its room count from 4,800 to 12,000. By the end of 2025, IHG will add 6 new hotels and introduce 2 new brands to the Vietnamese market. The group plans to expand its luxury and lifestyle portfolio, also premium and mainstream hotel brands in Vietnam. A representative from IHG Hotels & Resorts said that the group recognize strong opportunities to expand midscale brands in Vietnam

From 13-16 Nov, the 2024 Khmer Culture, Sports, and Tourism Festival will be held in Kien Giang province, celebrating the Ok Om Bok Festival. The main event is a traditional Khmer long boat race, with additional events include a traditional art festival with Khmer music, dance, costumes, a display of Khmer artefacts, sports competitions, and a fair promoting OCOP products. On 15-16 Nov, Kien Giang will also host the annual whale worship festival, followed by the an Ironman 70.3 race held on Phu Quoc Island on 17 Nov

According to a report by the Ministry of Transport, routing the North-South High-Speed Railway through Nam Dinh City is estimated to provide an additional benefit of $400 million USD over 30 years compared to a direct bypass route. Investment and operational costs for the Nam Dinh segment (12 km) are projected at $1.66 billion USD. The proposed route will link with metro lines in Hanoi, Noi Bai Airport, and seaports like Hai Phong. It will also provide connections to Laos via Vung Ang Station, regional ports, and the Central Highlands railway

From Jan-Oct 2024, Quang Ninh welcomed 16.8 million visitors, including over 3 million international tourists. The Deputy Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee urged the tourism sector to promote new offerings like cruises and comprehensive travel packages to achieve the 2024 goal of 19 million visitors, including 3.5 million international arrivals. According to the Deputy Director of the province's Tourism Department, the first international cruise ship from Beihai will arrive on 16 Nov, with over 10 expected by year-end. The bus route from Nanning to Bai Chay in Quang Ninh is also operational. The province saw a growth in tourists from India, the Philippines, and Malaysia, while low European and American visitor numbers are due to regional conflicts

Visitors can visit Hoi An Ancient Town for free on 4 Dec 2024, in celebration of the 25th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A series of events will also take place from 23 Nov to 4 Dec in the city, including an art exhibition, photo displays, discussions on cultural topics, and the publication of a research volume on 25 years of heritage preservation

The Government Guesthouse (Bac Bo Phu) will open to visitors during the 2024 Creative Design Festival in Hanoi, running from 9-17 Nov. Visitors can also explore sites like the Hanoi Children’s Palace, the Opera House, and the National Museum of History

Hanoi’s city government announced plans to construct the urban rail Line 2, connecting the city centre to Noi Bai International Airport. The project is set to start in 2024 - 2025, with full completion by 2034. The Nam Thang Long–Noi Bai segment is set to be operational by 2030. The 11.5-km route will feature 2.6 km of elevated tracks, 8.9 km of tunnels, 10 stations, and a 17.5-hectare depot in Bac Tu Liem District

The newly opened Military History Museum in Hanoi recorded 40,000 visitors on a single day, experiencing overcrowding, traffic congestion, and delayed access over the weekend, with violations of historical relics by visitors. The Head of the Museum's Education Communication Department said that by 11am on 10 Nov, the 1,000-vehicle parking lot was full, causing traffic gridlock on nearby roads. Experts attributed the chaos to inexperienced management and inadequate crowd control strategies

According to statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, from Jan-Oct 2024, 189,100 international visitors arrived by sea, +172.3% YoY, however, the number of cruise tourists remains small. Saigontourist planned to welcome 7 cruise ships in the last 2 months of 2024, bringing 2,600 international tourists. The Celebrity Solstice cruise ship, carrying over 2,800 guests from Europe, the US, and Australia, recently docked at Phu My Port in Ba Ria - Vung Tau. The cruise will return to Vietnamese ports from 17-21 Nov and 27-30 Nov. In Dec 2024, the Spectrum of the Seas (4,200 guests) will visit Nha Trang, and Mein Schiff 6 (2,400 guests) will dock in Ha Long

The Quang Ninh Department of Transport led the plan to replace older wooden boats with steel-hulled vessels by 2030 to enhance safety and reduce pollution risks. New ships will offer increased passenger space, with a minimum of 1.4 sqm per passenger, upgraded amenities like bars and viewing lounges, and adhere to 5-star standards for overnight cruises and floating restaurants. Quang Ninh also plans to introduce 3 cross-bay itineraries connecting Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay

The World Heritage Committee (WHC) asked Quang Ninh and Hai Phong provinces to report on environmental protection, landscape preservation, and coordinated management of Ha Long Bay, aiming for an integrated management approach for the combined heritage site. The WHC expressed concerns about new tourism projects and coastal residential areas, which could threaten the site's universal value. It highlighted ongoing third-party reports of water pollution in the area. The WHC called for an expedited carrying capacity assessment to support the Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy, and recommended establishing an Integrated Visitor Management System as a priority. Besides, the WHC urged both regions to provide a detailed zoning map for the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage site, outlining land use and a comprehensive management plan for the heritage site, buffer zones, and surrounding areas

From Jan-Sep 2024, Bac Giang welcomed 2.2 million tourists, +45% YoY, with tourism revenue at $65,000 USD, +40% YoY. The province plans to create inter-regional tourism routes with connections to nearby areas, such as Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, and Thai Nguyen. According to the Deputy Director, the province will focus on attracting investment to develop 3 major tourist areas - Tay Yen Tu, Luc Ngan Ecotourism, and Nham Bien Mountain Ecotourism, aiming to boost provincial tourism and meet national standards

The Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, and Architecture Magazine co-organised a festival themed “Creative Intersection”, running until 17 Nov, offering over 100 activities. The event features more than 1,000 artworks from over 500 designers and experts, highlighting various creative fields including architecture, visual and performing arts, film, fashion, music, crafts, publishing, games, and culinary arts. Over 20 sessions cover themes like AI in architecture, heritage conservation, and the role of technology

From Jan-Oct 2024, Binh Thuan recorded over 8.1 million visitors, +12% YoY. The Vietnam International Arbitration Centre, the Union of Science and Technology Associations, and the Binh Thuan Tourism Association recently co-organised a seminar titled: “Binh Thuan tourism: The green roadmap towards sustainable development”. The Deputy Chairman of the Binh Thuan’s provincial People’s Committee said the local government, businesses, and residents actively encouraged eco-friendly policies within the tourism sector, however, few businesses have fully transitioned to green practices. The Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said that Binh Thuan lacks sufficient green infrastructure, such as eco-friendly public transport and accommodations

Vietnam’s Immigration Department will launch an improved e-visa portal on 11 Nov, operating alongside the current site, which handles over 15,000 applications daily. The new portal offers an upgraded interface and includes a FAQ section in English and Vietnamese

From Jan - Sep 2024, over 300,000 Malaysians and over 130,000 Indonesians visited Vietnam. On Nov 6, the Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei held a workshop to enhance tourism ties between Vietnam, Brunei, and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). A Vietnamese Ambassador said that the close proximity and direct flights between Brunei and Vietnam position both countries as strategic gateways connecting the Mekong and BIMP-EAGA regions

On 7 Nov, the Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Railway Corporation said that around 100,000 Lunar New Year train tickets were sold within just over a month, leaving limited seats available for peak days. He added that extra train cars are being considered given the rising demand. According to the corporation, 16,000 tickets are still available for pre-holiday travel before 22 Jan and post-holiday from 26-28 Jan 2025

The People's Council of Dak Lak Province approved a $19.53 million USD investment to reduce emissions from deforestation in the Central Highlands and south-central coastal region, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project will take place in 15 communes across 4 districts, benefiting 24,178 households, and will be implemented in 3 phases from now until 2028. It aims to help farmers develop non-deforestation-based value chains, ensure sustainable agricultural incomes, and reduce the pressure to expand farming

The People's Committee of Quang Ninh approved a construction planning mission for the Tra Ban island area within the Van Don Economic Zone, covering about 11,110 hectares, including several islands and islets. The area is planned to become a high-end eco-tourism and resort destination with residential, public service areas, high-tech agriculture, and ecological conservation zones. Functional zones include the marine eco-tourism zone, the service, tourism, and residential centre, the eco-tourism and entertainment zone, and the adventure tourism zone

17 private companies from Yunnan Province committed to promoting Cambodia’s emerging tourist destinations and attracting more Chinese tourists, especially to Siem Reap. The companies plan to collaborate on joint marketing activities, organise events, and develop new tour packages

From 5-7 Nov 2024, Saigontourist Group and Vietnam Airlines promoted Vietnamese tourism at the World Travel Market (WTM) London, aiming to attract high-spending international tourists, especially from Europe. From Jan-Aug 2024, Saigontourist served over 1.35 million visitors, +22.3% YoY, including 559,000 international visitors. The Group aims to reach over 2 million visitors in 2024, including 700,000 international tourists

The China-Vietnam Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone, which started trial operations on 15 Sep 2023, has welcomed 1,232 cross-border tour groups totalling 17,991 visitors by 10 Oct 2024. After the official launch on 14 Oct 2024, the daily cross-border visitor limit doubled from 500 to 1,000, with operating hours extended to allow a maximum of 6 hours across the border. New technologies will be implemented to streamline the entry process, requiring no additional document for passport holders. Vietnamese visitors with a tour group enjoy a "3 exemption" policy - no fingerprinting, border stamping, or entry card required. Chinese visitors benefit from a dual customs clearance option, with both manual and express processing and no border stamp needed

From Jan-Oct 2024, HCMC welcomed over 4.6 million foreign tourists, +12.9% YoY, and 30.9 million domestic tourists, generating a total tourism revenue of 156.65 trillion VND, +11.9% YoY. During this period, Hanoi welcomed 5.1 million tourists, +28.5% YoY, including over 3.5 million foreign visitors, +37% YoY. Top tourist sources to Hanoi include South Korea (416,600 visitors), China (407,000), the U.S. (221,400), and Japan (215,500)

Meliá Hotels International is expanding its solar initiatives in Southeast Asia, adding over 2,600 solar panels to Meliá Vinpearl Cua Hoi Beach Resort (1,450 panels) and Meliá Vinpearl Cua Sot Beach Resort (546) in Vietnam, and Meliá Phuket Mai Khao (622) in Thailand. The new systems in Vietnam are projected to supply 10%-30% of each hotel’s total electricity consumption, while the new panels in Phuket will generate energy of 39,414.94 Kw each month. Meliá Vinpearl Cam Ranh Beach Resort will be the next property to implement solar panels, in late 2024

Frasers Hospitality opened Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen in Vinh Phuc province, marking its first property in the area. This hotel residence offers 88 serviced apartments with kitchenettes and living areas. Amenities include a 24/7 reception, concierge, housekeeping, an outdoor pool, two saunas, a gym, and an all-day dining restaurant

On 6 Nov, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism met with the Chongqing Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Committee to discuss cultural, tourism cooperation, and the introduction of new tourism products to Chinese tourists. The Deputy Director of the Chongqing Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Committee proposed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to encourage Vietnamese cities to join the Mekong-Lancang Tourism Cities Alliance, and recommended establishing a Tourism Promotion Office in Chongqing

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, from Jan-Oct 2024, Vietnam's tourism revenue is estimated at 690 trillion VND. Notable MoM increases were from Switzerland (+68%), Sweden (+66%), France (+64%), and Poland (+58%), while markets that saw declines from Sep 2024 include Japan (-18%), Malaysia (-17%), Laos (-14%), and Singapore (-6%)

In Oct 2024, Vietnam welcomed 1.42 million foreign tourists, +27.6%, increasing the total number of international visitors from Jan-Oct 2024 to 14.1 million. According to the General Statistics Office, during Jan-Oct 2024, South Korea led with 3.73 million visitors, top 5 also included China (3.01 million), Taiwan (1.06 million), the U.S. (636,000), and Japan (584,908). Top 10 includes Australia (395,695), India (394,509), Malaysia (392,449), Cambodia (365,757), Thailand (339,763)

Since the official release of the Winter 2024 flight schedule, Vietnamese airlines have increased flights during the year-end months, specifically: - A total of 2,720 flights per week, with domestic airlines operating 1,013 round-trip flights per week, an increase of 152 flights, and international airlines operating 1,707 round-trip flights per week, an increase of 236 flights from the summer schedule - Vietnam Airlines added 41 weekly round-trip flights, increasing its total to 420 flights per week - Vietjet Air added 110 weekly round-trip flights, increasing its total to 580 flights per week - During this period, 124 international routes are operating, up by 3 routes compared to the summer - China has the most airlines operating flights to Vietnam (13 carriers), followed by South Korea (10 carriers), Taiwan and Hong Kong each have 5 carriers

The Acting Chairman of the People's Committee of Bac Giang Province affirmed that from now until 2025, the province will focus on developing rural tourism, aiming to have at least 3 community-based tourism villages recognised by 2025. Each rural district will create at least 1 unique agricultural tourism model, leveraging local agriculture, culture, crafts, or ecology. The province also aims to have 50% of rural tourism businesses meeting quality service standards, and at least 50% of rural tourism destinations being digitised and connected through technology platforms by 2025. 20 community-based tourism spots in Luc Ngan District draw around 350,000 visitors each year, while the 4 most popular ones in Bac Giang province attract about 70,000 visitors annually. The province targets 80% of workers to improve skills, with each destination having at least one English-speaking staff member

From Jan-Oct 2024, Kien Giang welcomed 8.8 million visitors, including 813,364 foreign tourists, generating around 21.5 trillion VND in revenue. Phu Quoc accounted for over 5.2 million tourists, around 60% of the province’s total, and contributed 17.9 trillion VND in tourism revenue. In Q3 2024, Phu Quoc welcomed 2 tour groups from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with 400 guests each. The Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Tourism said that the province is preparing for a surge in tourist demand in Nov-Dec 2024 by improving environmental sanitation, enhancing the quality of tourism products and services, and creating event-related tours. The department also provided professional training for those involved in community-based, agricultural, and rural tourism

VietJet Air's Vice President of Commercial said that the airline plans to increase its business class seat count due to growing demand for its premium segment. She added that the airline's SkyBoss business class has an occupancy rate of 90% per flight

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST), in collaboration with the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, launched a survey of the country's tourism resources. The survey will be conducted over 5 years in 63 cities and provinces nationwide, aiming to establish a database to facilitate the management, planning, and development of tourism products and tourism sites. It will focus on natural resources like landscapes, geology, climate, hydrology, and ecosystems, as well as cultural assets including historical sites, festivals, folk arts, and traditional cultural values

The Deputy Director of the Dong Thap Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said that the province has great potential to develop agricultural tourism given its flowers, fruits, and seafood. The number of agricultural and community-based tourism sites increased from 2 in 2015 to 72 in 2024. The province allocated $672,000 USD to support 47 tourism businesses. In H1 2024, Dong Thap welcomed over 2.5 million tourists, generating 1.2 trillion VND in revenues. By 2025, the province’s tourism sector is projected to account for 5-6% of the province's gross regional domestic product

From 24-30 Nov, the Ninh Binh Festival 2024 will take place in Ninh Binh province, with the opening ceremony broadcasted on a national television channel. The Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ninh Binh Province said that the event aims to showcase the cultural identity of Vietnam, attract tourists while connecting local residents with visitors. The province will also host other Nov 2024 activities including a poetry exhibition, a street festival, and an art programme

The 10th Da Lat Flower Festival, running from 5-31 Dec 2024, features floral displays around Xuan Huong Lake and on the central roads of the city. The Chairman of the city People's Committee said that the event is expected to attract 1 million visitors, +30% YoY, and the city prepared 2,500 accommodations with 33,138 rooms to accommodate tourists

Wildtour, a company offering birdwatching tours in Vietnam, reported being fully booked until the end of 2026, mainly by foreign clients. The CEO of Wildtour said that most customers were from Europe and North America, expanding to Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and India. He added that bird-watching tours are often more expensive than others, with a tourist spending between $4,000 to $10,000 on a long-term birdwatching tour, excluding airfare. These tours are available at national parks and nature reserves across Vietnam

HCMC saw 4.6 million international visitors from Jan-Oct 2024, +12.9% YoY. It also welcomed 30.9 million domestic tourists, +1.3% YoY, generating a total tourism revenue of $6.2 billion USD, +11.9% YoY

Vietnamese Prime Minister met with the Emir of Qatar in Doha during an official visit to discuss enhancing people-to-people exchanges and expediting negotiations for a visa waiver agreement for ordinary passport holders. The Emir expressed Qatar’s readiness to increase investment in Vietnam and invited more Vietnamese companies to invest in Qatar. The Prime Minister suggested Qatar promote collaboration in digital transformation, green initiatives, and the circular economy, and encouraged the Qatar Investment Authority to invest in Vietnam's strategic, healthcare, and education infrastructure

Lao Cai’s 2024 tourism stimulus program called "Touch Sa Pa - Touch the Clouds" launched on 29 Oct, aiming to attract visitors during Sa Pa's cloud season with deep discounts and special offers across over 130 tourism businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transport services. Highlights include 50% off services, 30% discounts on Fansipan cable car tickets, and free entry at select attractions. The program runs from 2 Nov to 30 Dec, offering diverse accommodation options and discounted transport

Tropical Storm Trami caused flash flooding in central Vietnam, damaging over 300 homes, approximately 1,300 hectares of crops. The ministry of Agriculture reported that the storm caused 5 deaths and 5 injuries in Quang Binh province. Floodwaters in Quang Binh reached near the roofs of one-storey houses in some areas

The Binh Dinh People's Committee requested the Ministry of Transport to seek approval from the Prime Minister for the trial use of the flying taxis for tourists, specifically electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, to boost tourism and promote sustainable development. According to the committee, the flying taxis can accommodate 4-5 passengers, run on electricity and are intended to reduce emissions compared to traditional vehicles

Hoi An city initiated a pilot plan to establish the first zero plastic and pedestrian streets as part of the long-term goal to transform Hoi An into a green and smart city by 2050, starting with the Tran Phu and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets in the Old Quarter in 2024. The 2 streets host 236 household businesses, with half focused on garments, leather, souvenirs, and drinks. The authorities of Hoi An said that businesses on these streets will implement waste classification, eliminate single-use plastics, and sign up for wastewater treatment. Shops must display prices for all products, and keep pavements clear of goods and advertisements

The Deputy Minister of Finance signed a decision to implement the Huu Nghi (Vietnam) - Youyi Guan (China) smart border crossings pilot project. The General Department of Customs formed a Vietnamese task force to coordinate with Nanning Customs, with tasks include upgrading the National Single Window System for information exchange on shipments, vehicles, and developing temporary regulations on customs procedures and oversight for exports and imports through the smart border gate

On 29 Oct, the Vietnam – South Africa Investment, Trade and Tourism Investment Conference was held in Johannesburg, with the participation of leaders from Hanoi and representatives from South African businesses focusing on promoting Hanoi as a business destination. Key sectors targeted for investment include agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare, electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and industrial equipment. The event also showcases Hanoi’s commercial products, craft villages, cultural tourism, and local cuisine

The Vietnam Military History Museum, established in 1956 in Ba Dinh district, Hanoi, was relocated to a new site on the outskirts of Hanoi, spanning 38.6 hectares, featuring 150,000 artefacts, including 4 national treasures. The Deputy Director of the Museum said that the museum will serve as a study place for students of military officer schools

As of 28 Oct, over 28,340 households in Quang Binh were affected by flooding caused by the storm Trami. The floods isolated 58 villages and submerged 84 locations along roads. Schools in Le Thuy District closed due to half a metre of water flooding buildings, and local forces are using boats to navigate and assist in evacuating residents. Heavy rain was forecasted to continue from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai province through 30 Oct, with rainfall amounts reaching up to 200 mm in some areas

Laos’ President and Vietnam’s PM have agreed to speed up the Thakhaek-Vung Ang seaport rail link, as well as the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway

According to the Deputy Director of Langbiang Tourist Area, the Langbiang hiking trail in Lam Dong reopened after a month-long closure for upgrades and safety improvements. New rules prohibit unauthorised guides, off-trail exploration, and camping. Visitors must avoid lighting fires, and are advised to wear protective gear

According to a report by Agoda, from Aug-Oct 2024, room bookings in Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong, and Cat Ba were +4% YoY. International search interest in Vietnam tourism was also +4% YoY in Jul, +31% YoY in Aug, +84% YoY in Sep

From Jan-Sep 2024, Ba Ria – Vung Tau welcomed around 13.2 million visitors, +21% YoY, with tourism revenue of 14.1 trillion VND, +23.09% YoY. According to the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Department of Tourism, from 25 Oct - 31 Dec, 34 businesses are offering discounts of 10-65% for visitors as part of a stimulus program. The Director of the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Department of Tourism said that key events include a cultural exchange with Gunsan City in South Korea

According to the Nepal Department of Immigration, in Aug 2024, 549 Nepalis travelled to Vietnam. The Business Development Officer at Rupse Holidays in Kathmandu said that although there are no direct flights between Nepal and Vietnam, demand of Nepalis for Vietnam travel is growing. He added that during the festival season, the business offers direct flights to Vietnam, and sends around 800 - 1,200 people on average to visit the country. Nepal has not yet opened an embassy in Vietnam

According to the People’s Committee of District 3 in HCMC, on 10 Nov, the District 3 Expanded Ngo Boat Race Festival will take place, with 12 teams competing, including students and workers from HCMC and nearby regions. The festival celebrates the 94th anniversary of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, National Unity Day, Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Day, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam, and the Ok Om Bok Festival, featuring artists performing national and Khmer ethnic songs

The Typhoon Trami is expected to cause strong winds (62-88 km/h) to areas from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai and Da Nang City districts. Starting from noon 26 Oct, Tho Quang restricted access to Son Tra Mountain and nearby beaches. Hue province reinforced a 1km section of sea dyke at Thuan An beach to prevent erosion and plans to relocate 52,000 residents from coastal areas

Vietnam News reported that the limited number of tour guides in Can Tho city results in tourist groups often missing out on accurate and updated information, affecting their satisfaction. Tour guides often cover multiple sites, many are older staff members with minimal training in tourism or foreign languages. The City’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism organises 2 training programs annually on average. The Director of Can Tho Museum suggested using student volunteers as tour guides

From Jan-Sep 2024, Da Nang welcomed nearly 33,000 international cruise tourists, an increase of 14,500 visitors compared to 2023, driven by increased interest from European, American, Chinese, and Australian markets. By the end of 2024, Da Nang is expected to reach 40,000 cruise arrivals, +120% YoY equally. Da Nang’s Department of Tourism is focusing on attracting high-spending tourists to boost revenue for local businesses and enhance the city's competitiveness

From Jan-Oct 2024, Thua Thien Hue saw around 3.25 million visitors, +26.75% YoY, with international visitors totaling around 1.08 million and an estimated tourism revenue of nearly 6.5 trillion VND. According to the Chan May Port Joint Stock Company, from Jan-Oct 2024, nearly 60,000 passengers and crew arrived at the port, with the goal of welcoming 41 cruise ships, and over 90.000 passengers and crew members

A Vietnam-Laos trade fair was held in Phonsavanh township in Xiengkhouang province of Laos on 23 Oct to boost trade and tourism promotion

Vietnamese businesses participated in ITB Asia 2024 in Singapore, featuring the Vietnam - HCMC tourism booths, tourism materials, and promotional items. The Director of Crossing Vietnam Tour said that his company participated in the fair to find customers and build international partnerships, with a focus on targeting the Asian and European markets

An international cruise port will be built near the Front Beach cable car complex in Vung Tau province, with an estimated investment of $314.7 million USD and will accommodate luxury cruise ships carrying up to 6,000 passengers. The Ba Ria-Vung Tau People's Committee is completing the pre-feasibility study for the project and is preparing to choose investors. The port will have terminals, shops, offices, hotels, tourist accommodations, and parking facilities. In 2024, 50 cruise ships have registered to dock at Cai Mep-Thi Vai port, bringing thousands of tourists to Vung Tau and HCMC

The Coral Princess cruise ship arrived at Cam Ranh International Port on 23 Oct, carrying 2,300 passengers from various countries. This marks the first international cruise visit since Nha Trang Port closed for repairs on 20 Sep. According to the Nha Trang Tourism Promotion Centre, the passengers participated in city tours organised by Tan Hong Company, with stops at attractions such as Ponagar Tower, Long Son Pagoda, Dam Market, and others. Khanh Hoa hosted 27 international cruise ships with 55,516 passengers in total so far in 2024

A trilateral mutual cooperation agreement was signed among the Jeollanam-do Tourism Organisation, Da Nang City Tourism Association, and Lotte Phu Khanh Duty Free Trading Company. Accordingly, the Jeollanam-do Tourism Organisation will enhance tourism infrastructure, offer administrative assistance, and boost marketing initiatives, including fam tours to new attractions. From Jan-Sep 2024, Korean tourists made up 41.3% of the total 3.17 million international visitors to Da Nang. The President of the Jeollanam-do Tourism Organisation said that the number of tourists travelling between Vietnam and Korean is expected to surpass 5 million for the first time in 2024

According to the Acting Director of Reunification Hall during a tourism promotion forum on 19 Oct, the Independence Palace site in HCMC attracts over 1 million visitors annually. He added that the exhibition “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 – 1966” has attracted nearly 350,000 visitors annually since its opening in Mar 2018

The Kon Tum Provincial People’s Committee recently announced the 2045 master plan for developing the Mang Den tourism area in Kon Plong District. According to the plan, the Mang Den tourism area will cover over 90,000 hectares and become a national-level tourism destination in the Central Highlands. The Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Kon Tum Province said that Mang Den will focus on developing models such as resort tourism, ecological tourism, cultural tourism, and tours to explore cultural and historical relics

The HCMC's People’s Committee approved the pilot implementation of the Cho Lon Night Street project, centred around the iconic Binh Tay market. The project spans 1,510 square metres and will be divided into 7 functional zones, featuring 41 stalls. The night street will also include public restrooms, artistic lighting, scenic installations, and street performances for visitors

Vietnamese Prime Minister expects the economy to grow by 7% in 2024, and projects the nation's economy will expand by 6.5% - 7% in 2025, with the government striving for a growth rate between 7% and 7.5%. He said that the government aims to keep inflation around 4.5% on average, and projected Vietnam’s GDP per capita to reach about $4,900 USD in 2025. The International Monetary Fund forecasts Vietnam's 2025 growth at a lower rate of 6.1%

On 21 Oct, Quang Ninh province welcomed its three millionth foreign tourist, arriving at Ha Long International Passenger Port on the Viking Orion cruise ship from Hong Kong. According to the Director of the provincial Department of Tourism, the province will host around 20 international cruise ships by the end of 2024, with more than 60 cruise ships visiting in the 2024-2025 season, including luxury lines. From Jan-Sep 2024, Quang Ninh received 15.64 million tourists, including 2.59 million foreign visitors

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Indian arrivals to Vietnam were +46% YoY. Vietnamese visa applications through the Atlys platform in India increased by 146% since 2023. The company announced it will waive its Vietnam visa application fee from 21 Oct to further encourage travel. The rise in visa applications is primarily driven by Tier 1 cities in India, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. Among them, 66% of visa applications are from solo travellers, while 38% of group applications come from Gen Z and millennials

Experts noted opportunities for combining medicinal herb cultivation with ecotourism in Vietnam considering the rich diversity of over 5,110 medicinal plant species. A representative from Lai Châu PU Trading and Travel Co. said that demand is rising for wellness and cultural tourism experiences in Vietnam, local cuisine, medicinal plant farming, and unique cultural heritage. A representative from the University of Economics and Business suggested learning from Japan and South Korea in developing ecotourism by supporting local communities in medicinal herb production. He emphasised infrastructure enhancements in cultural tourism villages and suggested offering tax breaks, promotions, and collaboration programs to encourage travel firms to support locally produced goods

Luong Cuong was elected as Vietnam's State President for the 2021-2026 term by the National Assembly, receiving 100% of votes from 440 deputies. He is a member of the Party Central Committee for the 11th-13th terms, Secretary of the 12th Party Central Committee, and member of the 13th Politburo. He was appointed by the Politburo as a permanent member of the Communist Party’s Secretariat in May 2024