Rather predictably, China remained the main source country for Vietnam having supplied over 2 million tourists. South Korea, a close runner-up, delivered 1.7 million visitors. Asia in general tops the list of the regions from where the majority of foreign travellers come to Vietnam. The total number of Asian visitors reached 5.6 million, accounting for 76.8 per cent of the total number of footfalls and showing a solid 10 per cent year-to-year growth.
The number of tourists from the European countries is also up by six per cent compared to the same period of the last year.
Tourism officials believe that the growing number of tourists is a result of many cultural events and activities organised across the country in order to make Vietnam more attractive in the eyes of overseas visitors during summer period, when many of Vietnam's most colourful festivals are held.
Some Vietnamese travel agencies are confident that the numbers can grow even more if Vietnam further relaxes its visa policies. If the process of entering the country is simplified, it will attract more high-spending tourists from Japan, North America, Northern Europe, China and South Korea. It was suggested to extend the current 15-day visa exemption to 30 days but it is not yet clear whether/when the proposal will be supported by the immigration authorities and the government.
Foreign Tourists Arrivals Up in Vietnam During Jan–May 2019
News in Asia
During the first five months of 2019, from January till May, over 7.3 million foreign tourists visited Vietnam, and the popularity of Vietnam as a tourism destination for overseas visitors continues growing.