The Hanoi Department of Tourism has reported that the number of international visitors to Hanoi in the first nine months of 2023 has exceeded the annual target. Among the arrivals, there have been an estimated 3.2 million international tourists, representing a fourfold increase compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, the number of domestic tourists reached around 15.7 million, showing a 20.2% year-on-year increase.
| International visitors at Hoan Kiem Lake – the heart of the capital city. Photos: Hoai Nam/ The Hanoi Times |
The total tourism revenue during this period reached about VND69.3 trillion (US$2.85 billion), indicating a 66.9% year-on-year increase. The average occupancy rate of accommodation across all categories was 61%, a 27% year-on-year increase.
Throughout January-September, Hanoi has consistently received high ratings from international tourism organizations and has been ranked among the most attractive destinations in the world. On September 6, the city was once again recognized as the leading destination in Asia for 2023.
According to Dang Huong Giang, the Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, these achievements are the result of the industry’s efforts in developing new destinations and tourism products, as well as organizing diverse and attractive tourism activities that appeal to both domestic and international tourists. Giang also emphasized the intensified promotion and advertising activities to showcase Hanoi’s tourism image to visitors.
The Hanoi Tourism Department is currently exploring and implementing new forms of tourism, making use of local strengths. Some of the recently introduced signature tour packages in the capital city include sports tourism in Soc Son District, community-based health tourism in Ba Vi and Soc Son Districts, and hot air balloon tourism in Tay Ho District, Long Bien District, and Son Tay Town.
Moreover, the city has completed the planning of tourism zones and is accelerating key tourism development projects in Ba Vi, Huong Son – Quan Son, Soc Mountain – Dong Quan Lake, and Van Tri – Co Loa. The city has also improved its road systems to enhance accessibility to tourist destinations and has developed infrastructure to support tourism activities.
Giang further stated that her department is increasing its tourism communication through digital platforms, websites, and social media platforms (YouTube, Facebook, TikTok), as well as other online advertising methods, to ensure a wide outreach and attract visitors to the capital. The consistent message being promoted is “Hanoi – Come to Love” and “Hanoi – Safe, Friendly, High-Quality and Attractive Tourism Destination”.
However, Giang also acknowledged the challenges in tourism infrastructure, such as a lack of synchronized and high-quality accommodation and tourism services. Moreover, there is a shortage of tourist areas, entertainment parks, weekend resorts, and specialized national and international level parks. She assured that the city will gradually address these issues in the future.
Record-breaking tourist arrivals in Vietnam
| Hanoi is a coveted travel destination for both domestic and foreign visitors. |
In the first nine months of the year, the major cities of Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City, along with Quang Ninh Province and other localities, have been the biggest contributors to the growth of Vietnam’s revenue from travel and accommodation services, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). The total revenue during this period was estimated at VND526.6 trillion ($21.7 billion).
In the same period, Vietnam welcomed 8.9 million visitors, surpassing the target of 8 million for the entire year and representing a 69% increase compared to the same period last year, which is a 4.7 times increase compared to the same period in 2019.
The majority of visitors arrived in Vietnam by air, accounting for over 7.7 million arrivals, followed by road and sea with over 1 million and 64,000 arrivals, respectively.
The top markets with the highest number of visitors to Vietnam in the first three quarters of this year were the US (over 548,000 arrivals), Japan (over 414,000), Thailand (over 351,000), Malaysia (over 333,000), Cambodia (over 283,000), and Australia (over 283,000).
The GSO disclosed that Vietnam experienced growth in arrivals from more than 30 international source markets during the first nine months of the year, with the number of visitors from these markets increasing from two to 14 times compared to the same period last year. China had the highest growth rate, sending over 1.12 million visitors to Vietnam, which is 14 times higher than the same period last year.
Vu The Binh, chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, mentioned that the more open visa policy has made it more convenient to travel to Vietnam and is one of the reasons behind the steady increase in foreign visitors. Binh predicted that Vietnam can aim to welcome at least 10-12 million international tourists in 2023, especially during the peak season from October to March.
