Restore and expand the Russian tourist market

According to Mr. Tran Hoa Nam, Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee, Russia is a traditional tourist market for Khanh Hoa tourism in particular and Vietnam in general. In 2019, it is estimated that nearly 463 thousand Russian tourists visited Khanh Hoa, accounting for 71.6% of the total number of Russian visitors to Vietnam (646 thousand visitors) and was the second largest international tourist market of the province at that time.

However, under the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical instability, the number of tourists from Russia to Khanh Hoa has decreased sharply, estimated at 14,007 and 51,209 visitors in 2022 and 2023, respectively. By 2024, the number of Russian tourists to Khanh Hoa has recovered, estimated at 105,000 visitors (up 206% over the same period), but only 22.8% compared to 2019.

The Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee said that yesterday (March 11), the provincial tourism industry held a tourism promotion conference in Moscow, with more than 130 delegates representing tourism associations, Russian and Khanh Hoa businesses attending the program. "The success of this conference will contribute to restoring and expanding the Russian tourist market after the recent difficult period," Mr. Tran Hoa Nam expected.

Khanh Hoa provincial leaders added that within the framework of this conference, Russian enterprises visited the exhibition area with many attractive products and promotional publications, providing a comprehensive view of the province's tourism services and potential. In particular, through the B2B session, many opportunities were opened for Russian enterprises to directly exchange, connect and build long-term business cooperation relationships with partners from Khanh Hoa in the coming time.

Expectations from international flights

Mr. Dang Minh Khoi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Russian Federation, said that more and more Russian tourists are choosing Vietnam to explore its culture, cuisine and beautiful nature. Nha Trang is a favorite destination thanks to its long coastline, clear blue water, mild climate and rich services. In 2024, Vietnam welcomed more than 232,300 Russian visitors, an increase of 84.9% over the previous year, despite flight restrictions, and this growth trend is expected to continue in 2025.

Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi informed that regarding visa policy and immigration procedures, Vietnam always creates the most favorable conditions for Russian tourists such as visa exemption for 45 days for Russian visitors to Vietnam and up to 90 days when applying for an e-visa. In the opposite direction, Vietnam welcomes Russia's inclusion of Vietnam in the list of countries that are granted e-visas with a stay of 14 days, a review period of 3 days and simple procedures. "The Vietnam - Russia comprehensive strategic partnership continues to develop strongly, creating momentum for tourism cooperation between the two countries," the Ambassador affirmed.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Tran Hoa Nam also said that the Khanh Hoa delegation also had an important meeting with representatives of Aeroflot - one of the largest and oldest airlines in Russia. The meeting aimed to discuss in detail the plan to restore direct flights from Moscow to Cam Ranh - Khanh Hoa.

Accordingly, Aeroflot representative informed that the airline has planned to resume this route with a frequency of 2 flights/week, expected to start from the end of March 2025. In addition, the Russian airline will consider the possibility of increasing flight frequency during the peak tourist season, depending on market feedback.

"This is a flight route that was bustling before the Covid-19 pandemic but has been interrupted since 2020," said Mr. Nam, adding that previously the direct flight time from Moscow to Cam Ranh was only about 9-10 hours, making it easy for Russian tourists to access Khanh Hoa without having to transit through other countries. Restoring the flight route will not only shorten travel time but also reduce airfare costs, creating favorable conditions to attract the Russian tourist market again./.

Source: https://toquoc.vn/khanh-hoa-xuc-tien-du-lich-tai-thi-truong-ruot-20241028152806591.htm