Category: Events

   The National Assembly recently passed a bill featuring new and open policies on immigration procedures – a move which is expected to provide the tourism industry with a strong boost moving forward. Under the new bill which is due to take effect from August 15, Vietnam will allow foreigners to extend their e-visas validity to 90 days, as opposed to the current period of 30 days. During their approved duration, foreigners will be able to enter and exit the nation multiple times, without having to go through new visa procedures. Foreigners who are subject to visa exemption will duly be granted a temporary residence certificate at international border gates which will be valid for 45 days, as opposed to the current period of 15 days. In addition, they will be considered for visa issuance and temporary residence extension according to regulations. The new visa policy is anticipated to provide fresh impetus for the tourism industry when the peak international tourism season arrives at the end of the year. Visa policy – a competitive tool Foreigners enjoy coffee and tea in Hoi An ancient town recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. For the tourism industry, the latest visa policy can be seen as a powerful competitive tool, especially amid increasing competition between destinations, according to an official of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT). Despite possessing many advantages, Vietnam loses ground to other regional countries in terms of tourism. Almost every week the country boasts a destination, a hotel, a business, or a dish that is featured in regional and global top lists. The country is currently a favourite destination among holidaymakers from India and China, two of the world’s largest markets. Even travelers from markets as far away as Europe and the United States have a

National Travel Forum 2022: "Solutions to restore and develop international tourism in Vietnam" On 8th August, Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) coordinated with Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association to organise the National Travel Forum 2022 with the theme “Solutions to restore and develop international tourism in Vietnam”. Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (Photo: TITC) Speaking at the Forum, Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) said, the tourism industry had a striking growth in the period of 2015-2019, contributed 9.2% to GDP of the country in 2019 and gradually affirmed as the spearhead economic sector. However, since 2020, the sector has been affected severely by the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry growth indicators have all dropped significantly. To cope with the harsh wave, the supportive policies and guidelines were issued to diminish the difficulties and loss of businesses and labour force. Additionally, media campaigns have been implemented firmly on several digital platforms to promote Vietnam tourism. By all efforts, the tourism markets has been gradually restored, especially the domestic market. The sector has witnessed tourism businesses back; and for the first 7 months of 2022, there are 71.8 million domestic arrivals, exceeding the target set by the whole industry this year. Hence, there is a limitation in the number of international visitor arrivals. The whole country welcomed 954.6 thousand international arrivals in the first 7 months of 2022, while the target to welcome 5 million international arrivals this year. To attract international visitors to Vietnam this last quarters of 2022, refreshing tourism products with mainstream tourism product types such as sea and island tourism; cultural tourism (including culinary and heritage); ecotourism (including community tourism) and urban tourism (including MICE tourism) should be put to the focal point. Additionally, wellness and

(TITC) - Viet Nam is ready to host the 38th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2019 from January 14-18, 2019, in Ha Long City, in the northern province of Quang Ninh, under the theme “ASEAN –The Power of One”. The event, the largest tourism forum of the ASEAN region, is rotated annually among the 10 ASEAN countries. Viet Nam is hosting the event for the second time, following the first one in 2009. The ATF is opportunity for both the public and private sectors of the ASEAN tourism industry to get together and discuss issues and trends facing the industry. The event includes meetings of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers and national tourism organizations, meetings of ASEAN national tourism organizations with partners, conferences on ASEAN tourism, tourism trade fair TRAVEX, fieldtrips for delegates and media. FLC Group has inaugurated its five-star FLC Ha Long ecological resort project in Ha Long City which is set to be the location for important meetings in the framework of ATF 2019 and TRAVEX will be hosted in Quang Ninh Exhibition of Planning and Expo Center. Up to now, there have been 290 sellers, 610 buyers, 163 media agencies, 303 booths from ASEAN countries and Vietnamese businesses registered to join the TRAVEX. Notably, Viet Nam tourism booth is designed with the total area of 316m2. Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, Deputy Head of Organization Board of ATF 2019, said the preparation work has been carried out synchronously to ensure the successful organization of ATF 2019