Tourists enjoy performance at Sun World Ba Na Hills - a tourist attraction in the central city of Da Nang. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – A key for Vietnam to attract more foreign tourists at this time is tochange its visa policy, said Chris Farewell, a member of the Tourism Advisory Board(TAB).
Chris told Dau tu( Vietnam Investment Review) that expanding the list of eligible visa waiverswith a maximum stay of up to 30-45 days will be a big drive for foreigners whoare planning a trip to Vietnam.
TAB also proposedthat e-visa should be expanded to all countries and domain name changed so that foreigners can recognise and find more easily when surfingthe internet, he said.
While Thailandoffers visa exemption to citizens from 65 countries and territories with a stayof 30-45 days or even up to 90 days in some cases, Vietnam has not introducedany travelling incentives for visitors after reopening its border in March lastyear.
Resuming tourism activities earlier than Thailand, yet the country’s complicatedadministrative procedures reduce its attractions, he said.
Tourists usuallycomplain that they find difficulties in applying for a visa at Vietnam’sembassies. In other cases, they said that they areoffered to get the visa quickly with 200-500 USD while a formalfee is just 25 USD.
Vu The Binh,chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said that authorities and agenciesmust closely work together to harmonise the administrative process.
It should be done as quicklyas possible because tourists can change their decision easily, he said.
Foreign tourists pose for pictures at Ha Long Bay in the northeastern of Quang Ninh. (Photo: VNA)Last year,Vietnam only received 3.6 million foreign tourists, just 70% of its target. Ittargets 8 million for this year.
Currently,citizens of 80 countries and territories can apply for an e-visa to enterVietnam without going through a guarantor agency or organisation. added.
Many foreigntourists hope Vietnam will bring back the multiple three-month visa thatwas available before the pandemic.
TAB comprisesrepresentatives from a broad base of industry leaders and stakeholders inVietnam’s travel and tourism sector. All stakeholders are working together tosupport international tourism promotions in Vietnam's key markets./.
