EIU: Tourism to become important part of Vietnamese economy
VGP – Tourism has upheld its role as an important pillar for Viet Nam’s economic growth, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) under the UK-based Economist Group.
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The EIU quoted data of the National Administration of Tourism as saying that in 2016 the number of foreign visitors to Viet Nam surged sharply.
In the first 11 months, over 9 million foreign tourists travelled to the Southeast Asian nation, representing a year-on- year increase of over 25%.
In November, Viet Nam handled around 920,000 foreign guests, up 14% against October.
Besides job generation, the tourism industry also spurred retail sales and other service sectors.
The EIU attributed the positive growth pace to the visa exemption waiver police for citizens of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy (in one year). Since January, 2017, Viet Nam will pilot e-passport.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that last year tourism contributed 6.6% to the Viet Nam’s GDP in 2015. The industry made up 13.9% to the GDP in both direct and indirect channels. The proportion will touch 15.2% by 2026./.
By Kim Loan
