VN deals with declining trend of foreign arrivals

VGP – A large number of localities and enterprises have joined hands to attract foreign tourists as there was a sign of slowdown in their number in the past seven months of this year.

August 19, 2019 9:30 AM GMT+7

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In the first seven months of 2019, Viet Nam handled 9.8 million international guests, representing a year-on-year growth of 7.9%.

Earlier in the 1995-2015, the number of foreign arrivals yearly increased by 15%, the General of Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) reported.

In the 2015-2018, foreign visitors increased remarkably from 7.9 million in 2005 to 15.5 million in 2018 at average growth rate of 25%. This was the record high growth period in Viet Nam’ tourism development history.

VNAT Deputy Director General Ha Van Sieu said that growth rate of international guests to Viet Nam was on the decline as the Chinese market experienced a year-on-year decline of 2.8% and the Australian market saw a slight decrease of 1.2%.

Seeking solutions

A large number of localities and businesses shared experience and solutions to boost the number of foreign arrivals to Viet Nam in the coming time.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuy, Director of the Quang Ninh Tourism Department said that international tourists especially those spending a lot care much about security and safety. Meanwhile, Vietnamese brand names are not strong enough to make tourists feel secure.

Director Thuy suggested Vietnamese tourism agents exploit cultural values and beautiful landscape and improve manpower quality.

Director of international tourism from Saigontourist Luong My Hung stressed the necessity to boost tourism promotion at potential markets including the U.S., Europe, Australia, and ASEAN; build attractive national tourism website and tourism representative offices.

Mr. Duong Phu Nam, General Director of Sun World said that about 10% of international guests came back to Viet Nam for the second time. In addition, spending levels of international guests in Viet Nam remained low. He suggested more attention channeled to high-spending tourists and specific incentives for travel agents from the Republic of Korea and China.

The General Director also proposed building of high-class tourism products and impressive tourism works to attract high-spending clients./.

By Kim Anh