Vietnam's unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and budget-friendly attractions has positioned it as a premier destination for travelers from Thailand, Australia, Japan, and Singapore for the upcoming years. A survey conducted by Visa and the Pacific-Asia Travel Association (PATA) has highlighted the country's growing appeal among international tourists, with a significant number expressing their intent to visit within the next two years.
The Asia-Pacific Travel Intentions Survey, unveiled during a seminar in Hanoi, revealed that 17% of Thai travelers, 16% of Australians, and 11% of both Japanese and Singaporeans ranked Vietnam as their next travel destination. The survey, executed online by Nielsen in May, gathered responses from 6,714 participants across 13 key Asia-Pacific markets. These included Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, mainland China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK, and the U.S. Respondents were over 18, had traveled internationally for leisure in the past two years, and planned to do so again.
Visitors are enticed by Vietnam's natural beauty, the allure of exploring a new place, and the affordability of its attractions. The typical traveler eyeing Vietnam is likely to be single, with a preference for four-star accommodations. They anticipate spending upwards of $1,200 on their vacation, valuing quality dining experiences and cultural immersion. On average, international tourists plan to stay in Vietnam for 3-5 days.
About 40% of survey respondents prefer using credit cards while traveling in Vietnam, citing the convenience of not having to carry large amounts of cash, which can be both cumbersome and unsafe.
Truong Minh Ha, Visa's country manager for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, emphasized the importance of the survey in understanding visitor demographics and preferences, which can guide the Vietnamese tourism industry in tailoring promotional activities. Visa aims to collaborate with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), local operators, and retailers to attract more tourists.
To enhance its appeal, Vietnam is investing in infrastructure, tour guide training, service quality, and environmental sustainability as part of its 2020-2030 tourism development strategy. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Deputy Director General of VNAT, highlighted the country's impressive tourism growth, with a 40% increase in foreign visitors in the first ten months of the year compared to the previous year. With monthly inbound tourism expected to reach 420,000-450,000 in the final months, Vietnam is on track to surpass 5 million visitors by year-end.
Projections estimate that international visits to Vietnam could reach 5.1-5.5 million in the following year. However, Vietnam recognizes the need to simplify entry visa procedures and enhance online information availability, as the internet remains a crucial tool for prospective visitors to learn about the country.
For more detailed information on traveling to Vietnam, including visa requirements and attractions, visit the official Vietnam National Administration of Tourism website or explore travel experiences through Active Travel Vietnam.
In conclusion, Vietnam's tourism sector is experiencing a surge in interest from international travelers, driven by its captivating natural beauty, cultural richness, and value for money. With strategic investments and a focus on improving visitor experiences, Vietnam is poised to become an even more popular destination in the years to come.
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