Tourism seeks ways to lure more visitors

An immediate solution this year is to promote tourism in high-potential markets such as Japan, Korea, China, Western Europe and the U.S. The sector will propose visa exemptions for visitors from Western Europe and other countries.

Nguyen Van Tuan, Director General, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said: We are preparing to propose visa exemptions for visitors from several countries coming to Vietnam as part of tours offered by Vietnamese tour operators. If this is to be implemented, it will help boost the number of foreign tourists coming to Vietnam.

The plan to set up a support fund for tourism development has recently been approved by the government. The fund will gather capital from tourism beneficiaries. The Law on tourism will be amended and submitted to the National Assembly.

Vu The Binh, Deputy Chairman, Vietnam Tourism Association said: Once we start to work with businesses to bring more visitors, we should not raise sightseeing tickets or hotel fees. Ministries and departments have to plan well ahead so this does not happen.

Collaboration between ministries is critical to ensure security, traffic, and food hygiene in tourist destinations. The sector aims to grow by 6% this year, welcome 8.5 million foreign visitors and serving 60% domestic tourists, earning 370 trillion dong.