Vietnam welcomed 13 million international tourists in 2017, up by three million against the previous year (Photo VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – 2017 is considered a successful year for the tourismsector, with 13 million international tourists arriving in Vietnam, up by threemillion against the previous year.
According to Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism(VNAT) Nguyen Van Tuan, 2017 was the first year that the sector implemented PolitburoResolution 8-NQ/TW on developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector.
In the first half of 2017, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation(UNWTO) revealed the world’s top 10 fastest-growing tourist destinations, withVietnam in sixth position. The Southeast Asian country also led Asia-Pacificwith growth of 31.2 percent.
The UNWTO described Vietnam as not a stranger to tourism with long-standinghistory, culture, rich cuisine and natural attractions.
Vietnam also received international tourism awards in 2017. Notably, theInterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort set a record as it was honoured asthe World’s Leading Luxury Resort for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile,the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay was named the World’s Best New Resort bythe World Travel Awards.
Vietravel became the first Vietnamesetravel company to be honoured as the World’s Leading Group Tour Operator 2017.
The good performance during 2017 wasattributable to the sector’s concerted efforts and several policies, including atwo-year pilot e-visa programme for citizens of 40 countries launched onFebruary 1, and extension of visa exemption for certain countries. Manyprovinces have worked to improve tourism service and quality and the investmentenvironment to attract investment in the sector.
In June 2017, the National Assembly approved the Law on Tourism, which tookeffect on January 1, 2018. Decrees and circulars guiding the execution of thelaw are being finalised to drive tourism development.
Vietnam hopes to serve at least 16million international tourists in 2018 and 17-18 million foreign holidaymakersin 2020.-VNA
VNA
