Vietnam's recent overhaul of its visa policies has ignited a surge in international tourism, transforming the country into a must-visit destination.
Travelers like Maria Sanchez, who navigated seamlessly between Vietnam and Cambodia before returning for a seminar, are emblematic of the new ease and flexibility in travel that Vietnam now offers.
Since August 2022, Vietnam has extended visa-free stays to 45 days for citizens from 13 key countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK. In addition, all tourists are now eligible for three-month visas, a significant upgrade from the previous one-month limit. These changes have led to an almost full recovery of international arrivals, nearing pre-pandemic levels with nearly 16 million visitors in just 12 months.
The numbers speak volumes. In the year following the policy shift, Vietnam welcomed nearly 16 million international visitors, a staggering 99% of its 2018-2019 figures. The first seven months of 2024 saw 10 million arrivals, outpacing the same period in 2019 by 2%.
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This influx is particularly noticeable among visitors from the 13 visa-exempt nations, who have contributed to a 37% share of total arrivals, with Russia and Italy showing remarkable increases of 75% and 61%, respectively.
Travel companies are riding this wave of growth. Vietravel, one of Vietnam’s leading tour operators, reported a staggering 250% increase in international visitors during the peak season, with a 300% rise in tourists from visa-exempt countries, Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, deputy general director of leading tour operator Vietravel says. Such growth is propelling Vietnam’s tourism industry toward surpassing its 17-18 million visitor target for the year.
These new visa policies not only simplify travel but also encourage longer stays, deeper exploration, and more spending—vital elements for a thriving tourism sector. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining high service standards and promoting sustainable tourism to keep this momentum going.
A testament to this boom is the upcoming visit of an Indian pharmaceutical billionaire, who will bring 4,500 employees to Vietnam for a two-week tour—a golden opportunity for Vietnam's tourism industry to shine on the global stage. As Vietnam continues to evolve as a premier destination, the focus remains on creating unforgettable experiences that inspire visitors to return and share their stories with the world.
Source: Vnexpress
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