Vietnam Tourism Industry towards New Era of Development

In over 55 years of development, Vietnam Tourism Industry has significantly improved its services with constant growth of tour operators, hotels, transport companies and service complexes. It is its rapid development that narrows the gap between domestic tourism industry and that of ASEAN and international ones. The infrastructure and tourist spots with world class quality around the country are the foundation to attract more and more visitors and to provide better services to international and domestic tourists.

 

The number of international tourists from 2010 to 2014 was 8.5 million. The number of domestic tourists reached 38 million in 2014 from 5.8 million in 2010. The non-stop increase in quantity boosts economic growth and contributes to the development of the country. In 2010, the tourism industry accounted for 3.26 percent of GDP whereas in 2014, the contribution reached VND230 trillion, accounting for 6 percent of GDP.

 

Delivering a speech at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam praised the success of tourism industry in the past 55 years, noting that in spite of proud achievements, Vietnam Tourism Industry still had some weaknesses comparing with other countries in the region. Vietnam should be more determined and innovative to make a breakthrough for more sustainable and rapid development. In the past few years, the Government has issued policies to remove barriers for tourism development. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other stakeholders need to focus on finding a solution to overcome the difficulties, issue mechanisms to create a more transparent and open business environment.

 

 

He also suggested provincial authorities join hands to help improve local tourism. It is necessary to look straight into the weaknesses and shortcomings, learn from developed tourism industry management from other provinces. Associations and clubs should play their role as the representative for their members in any activities, propose guidelines and policies based on science and law. Tourism businesses should raise the same voice, action, solution so that innovative ideas and activities are supported, sustainable models for community development is spread out, for the development of Vietnam tourism industry and the image of Vietnam people. 

 

At the ceremony, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism gave Tourism Awards to 80 tourism businesses with excellent achievements in 2014. This is the annual awards to honour the leading businesses in the tourism service sector, including 10 top five-star hotels, 10 top four-star hotels, 10 top three-star hotels, and more. In terms of tour operation, there are 10 inbound tour operators, 10 outbound tour operators and 10 domestic tour operators. Besides, there are awards for top restaurants, tourist spots, transport, shopping malls, stops and golf courses in Vietnam. Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam asserted that the awards showed the recognition and encouragement of the Government and the community. But the cherished ones are the contribution to promote the image of Vietnam, economic development, conservation of culture, bringing happiness to many people.

 

On the same day in Hanoi, Hanoi Tourism Association cooperated with Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to organize a workshop on implementation of Resolution 39/NQ-CP and Resolution 46/NQ-CP on visa exemption for citizens of Belarus, the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. The workshop also announced the stimulus programme in response to the new policies of the Government.

 

The stimulus programme to increase the number of tourists to Vietnam from the above countries will be implemented consistently. It promotes and offers high quality services with competitive price, ensures safety and a green environment, contributing to promoting Vietnam tourism and making Vietnam the destination of visitors from Western European countries.