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The Art of Promoting Hanoi’s Tourism: A Technological Revolution

Embracing technological advancements is pivotal for effectively promoting tourism in the capital city, renowned for its rich cultural tapestry, awe-inspiring historical heritage, and the renowned warmth and friendliness of its people.

Administrator

11 September, 2024

Graham Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards (WTA), shares his perspective after Hanoi’s recent triumph at the WTA Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, where it garnered three prestigious titles.

On September 10, at the Hanoi Tourism Department headquarters, WTA President Graham Cooke presented the city with trophies and Winner Certificates for the accolades: “Asia’s Leading City Destination,” “Asia’s Leading City Break Destination,” and “Vietnam’s Leading Cultural Destination.”

WTA President Graham Cooke (left) and Hanoi Tourism Department Director Dang Huong Giang (right) during the WTA delegation’s visit to Hanoi. Photo courtesy of Hanoi Tourism Department.

During the ceremony, Cooke extolled Hanoi’s tourism potential and unique advantages, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and attractions. The consecutive awards affirm Hanoi as a destination with exceptional cultural tourism offerings.

He further advised the city to leverage these strengths in developing its tourism products. Cooke also emphasized the importance of incorporating digital technology and AI in promotional activities and product development. In addition to websites, he suggested enhancing the presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Tiktok, and Instagram to better reach international tourists and promote Vietnam’s market.

WTA Founder and President Graham Cooke presenting Winner Certificates to representatives of Hanoi Tourism Department.

“It is imperative for Hanoi to preserve its distinct identity and maintain environmental sanitation while engaging its citizens in the development of sustainable tourism,” Cooke added.

This marks the third consecutive year Hanoi has been recognized in the “Asia’s Leading City Destination” category (2022, 2023, 2024) and the second time in the “Asia’s Leading City Break Destination” category (2023, 2024). Additionally, Hanoi claimed the title of “Vietnam’s Leading City Cultural Destination” for the first time.

According to Hanoi Tourism Department Director Dang Huong Giang, Hanoi, with its millennia of history, encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese beauty. This makes it a sought-after destination for travelers eager to explore culture and history.

WTA President Graham Cooke at the meeting with Hanoi Tourism Department.

“The WTA titles affirm Hanoi’s stature as a leading tourist destination in Asia and its ascendance on the regional stage,” stated Director Giang. “They also present an opportunity for us to showcase Hanoi’s tourism offerings to the world.”

“In the coming period, we will continue to emphasize cultural tourism, develop eco-friendly and sustainable tourism products, and promote a range of suburban and agro-rural tourism experiences,” she added. “We have also crafted short break packages, lasting two to three days, providing visitors with a variety of options to explore Hanoi.”

The Hanoi tourism sector is proactively implementing key initiatives to enhance tourism by creating compelling new tourism products and reaching out to diverse markets.

WTA President Graham Cooke’s visit to Hanoi on September 10, where he presented the trophies and Winner Certificates.

The city is also committed to advancing the use of digital technology in tourism while preserving its heritage. This approach will foster sustainable tourism development and attract more international visitors.

Hanoi’s tourism industry is thriving, evident in the August figures, which saw 2.49 million visitors, including 496,400 foreigners, representing a 34.5% year-on-year increase. From January to August, the city welcomed 19 million visitors, a 12.3% rise, generating revenue of VND73.2 trillion (US$3 billion), a 19.2% annual increase.

This growth is supported by improved hotel occupancy rates, diverse accommodation options, and a wide range of attractions and activities. With 71,246 rooms across 3,760 accommodation establishments, Hanoi caters to both domestic and international tourists, offering an extensive network of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.