The first plan focuses on developing distinctive tourism products tailored to what travellers want, coupled with stronger communication and promotion campaigns. Thuy urged media outlets and broadcasters to collaborate with tourism sector on multiple-platform pushes suited to the multimedia age.

The second calls for business tie-ups for all-in-one packages spanning airport pick-ups, transport, lodging, dining and retail to boost spending by overseas guests. The third involves stepping up domestic and foreign tourism promotion campaigns, while the fourth targets support policies.

Thuy said the ministry already rolled out an inbound promotion plan from March 5, with 4-5 more global campaigns slated through year-end targeting core markets, fostering links between Vietnamese and foreign operators for seamless, secure visits.

He hailed visa reforms as a “golden opportunity,” calling on the industry to capitalise on it by ensuring foreign companies clearly understand the new regulations, while advocating for tighter coordination among the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, and the VNAT to lengthen stays and broaden exemptions.

According to statistics, as many as 1.52 million international visitors were recorded in September, pushing the nine-month tally to 15.4 million, up 21.5% annually. To meet this year's goal of welcoming 25 million arrivals, the industry must accommodate approximately 9.6 million in Q4, or 3.2 million per month.

Vietnam targets 25 mln foreign arrivals, pushes ‘green travel’ branding

Vietnam’s tourism associations, led by Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA), gathered in the north-central province of Thanh Hoa on August 23 to devise a coordinated action plan to meet government targets and elevate the country’s profile as a global travel destination.