2022 was the year that saw the much anticipated return of inbound travel to Vietnam, as the country welcomed over 3.6 million tourists. Building on the success of last year, 2023 is projected to be an exciting year, as Vietnam is expecting to see this number boost to approximately 8 million inbound tourists.
With an incredible year-round climate, an abundance of vibrant cities, and stunning coastline, it’s no surprise that the number of tourists choosing to visit Vietnam is growing year upon year. In 2022, the United Kingdom was Vietnam’s top European market, with a total of 93,794 British visitors.
Kien Tran Trong, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board, stated, “last year’s strong visitor numbers speak for themselves, and are a testament to the quality of product that Vietnam has to offer tourists. After a quieter couple of years due to the pandemic, it’s been a pleasure to welcome back such a large number of tourists to the country, so that we can continue to show our visitors all Vietnam has to offer. From a vibrant culinary scene and rich culture to countless stunning beaches and bustling cities, there really is something for everyone in Vietnam. In 2023, we look forward to continuing to welcome international travelers to our destination, as we continue to focus on improving our tourism offering throughout the year.”
As part of Vietnam’s endeavour to make the destination increasingly accessible and attractive to tourists in the year ahead, leaders within the travel and tourism industry have been focusing on improving competitiveness within the tourism products that are on offer. This is being reflected in a number of exciting, new hotels that are set to open in 2023 including: Nobu Hotel Danang, Avani Cam Ranh and Mandarin Oriental Saigon, just to name a few. Additionally, there have been developments of multiple new domestic and international flight routes, to make getting to, and around Vietnam, easier than ever before.
Vietnamese airlines and destinations were named among the winners at the award ceremony of the World Travel Awards 2022 – Region: Asia & Oceania, which took place in Ho Chi Minh City on September 7 evening.
The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines won the titles of Asia’s Leading Airline – Economy Class and Asia’s Leading Airline Brand; while Vietravel Airlines was accredited as Asia’s Leading New Airline.
Meanwhile, the Ville De Mont Mountain Resort in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai’s Sa Pa town and Premier Village Ha Long Bay Resort in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh were called onto the stage as Asia’s Leading Lifestyle Resort and Asia’s Leading Family Villa Resort 2022, respectively.
Last year, Vietnam received a series of nominations for different categories at the WTA 2022. The country was nominated for awards in the Asian region for Leading Destination, Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination, Leading Heritage Destination, Leading Cultural Destination, Leading Nature Destination, Leading Youth Travel Destination and Leading Beach Destination.
The capital city of Hanoi was shortlisted as Asia’s Leading City Break Destination and Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination.