Representative of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism speaking at the press conference. Photo: P.QLXTDL

Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Nguyen Quy Phuong, Head of Tourism Promotion Management Department - Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said: Vietnam has a favorable geographical location; a relatively synchronous transportation system and is developing towards strengthening connectivity; young, abundant human resources; majestic, beautiful, diverse and rich nature in terms of mountains, forests, seas and rivers; rich and unique national culture; hospitable, hardworking, flexible and creative people; stable political system; security and order are maintained.

Over the years, Vietnam has continuously expanded its international relations, established comprehensive strategic partnerships or strategic partnerships with all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and many G20 countries; signed 16 free trade agreements (FTAs) with over 60 countries and major partners; and participated in more than 500 bilateral and multilateral agreements.

The above conditions continue to open up opportunities for socio-economic development, especially in the tourism sector. Many new policies have been issued by the Vietnamese Government, creating more favorable conditions for tourists; Positioning the national tourism brand as "Vietnam - Safe, friendly, attractive, humane, hospitable, convenient destination", "warming tourists, satisfying hosts"; determining the consistent development motto of Vietnam Tourism as "Unique products - Professional services - Convenient and simple procedures - Competitive prices - Clean and beautiful environment - Safe, civilized and friendly destination".

Tourism activities have returned to normal and Vietnam's tourism has made a strong recovery, achieving encouraging results. In 2023, international tourists to Vietnam reached 12.6 million, 3.5 times higher than in 2022. In addition, from August 15, 2023, Vietnam will apply electronic visas to citizens of all countries and territories with temporary stay periods increased from 30 days to 90 days and temporary stay periods increased from 15 days to 45 days for citizens of countries with unilateral visa exemption.

Mr. Phuong said that Vietnam tourism has been focusing on restructuring the market, innovating products towards diversification, increasing competitiveness and attractiveness in the market, while resuming and opening more international flights to target markets such as Europe, the US, Australia and India.

Vietnam has abundant natural resources, with diverse tourism products, focusing on 4 main product lines: sea tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, eco-tourism and urban tourism. In addition, there are also complementary products such as luxury resort tourism, health tourism, adventure tourism, golf tourism, etc.

“Vietnam is ready to welcome international tourists to fully experience a vibrant Vietnam with beautiful natural landscapes, sunny beaches, a rich culture, friendly and hospitable people and delicious cuisine,” emphasized a representative of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

In 2023, Vietnam was honored to receive 19 World's Leading Awards and 54 Asia's Leading Awards presented by the World Travel Awards. Notably, Vietnam was honored as the "World's Leading Heritage Destination" for the fourth time and "Asia's Leading Destination" for the fifth consecutive time. With its efforts to build favorable mechanisms and policies for the tourism industry and promote the strong recovery of the entire industry, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism was awarded the title of "Asia's Leading Tourism Management Agency" for the fourth time.

Mr. Nguyen Quy Phuong believes that with efforts in tourism recovery, promotion, introduction of destinations, products, services, along with the companionship and support of businesses, partners, and media agencies, Vietnamese tourism will recover and develop strongly as before the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the press conference, images of Dien Bien Tourism - the locality hosting the National Tourism Year 2024 were shown and introduced to delegates, businesses, international partners, and international press agencies.