ASEAN - Potential Tourism Market for Vietnam

 

The Vietnamese tourism industry has significantly contributed to the national economy in recent years, with a growing number of international visitors in the country. Vietnam welcomed 3.7 million foreign international visitor arrivals in 2009 and 1.351 million visitors in the first three months of 2010. Since Vietnam became a full ASEAN member, its tourism industry has forged bilateral and multilateral cooperation, put forth many initiatives to accelerate the tourism development, implement action programmes, etc. for the common prosperity of the region.

 

For Vietnam, in addition to assumption of the ASEAN presidency, the year 2010 also has a special meaning as a series of cultural and tourist events to be held, including the National Tourism Year 2010 towards the grand anniversary of 1,000 year Thang Long - Hanoi foundation. It is considered an opportunity for the Vietnamese tourism sector to accelerate. What’s more, a series of important events like the Hue Festival, International Film Festival, Puppetry Festival and the International Circus Festival will be held this year, signalling a good time for the tourism industry.

 

In 2010, the Vietnamese tourism industry targets to welcome 4.2 million foreign visitor arrivals and 27-28 million domestic holidaymakers. To achieve this objective, ASEAN has been defined as one of the most important markets and all plans this year will be directed to this market.

 

Accordingly, Vietnam has started carrying out plans to promote tourism in ASEAN member states to introduce unique hidden beauty of an attractive destination to attract more visitors from this large market. Specifically, in early March, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism carried out tourism promotion programmes in three important ASEAN markets, namely Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Promotion programmes are rated very successful, supported by the large participation of travel companies and people in targeted countries. Apart from attracting more tourists from these three markets, Vietnam also expected to acquire experience in organising promotion campaigns, meeting tourist tastes and enhancing cooperation opportunities in tourism investment and human resource development.

 

Besides, to help enhance the connectivity in the region, Mr Tran Chien Thang, Deputy Minister of Culture, said: In the future, Vietnam will focus on open daily flights connecting feudal capitals and cultural heritages in three Indochinese countries. At the same time, these will help increase visitors in associated tours ASEAN. Vietnam is planning to propose ASEAN countries to apply a common visa for tourists.