Information from the General Statistics Office shows that in the first four months, Vietnam is estimated to welcome nearly 3.7 million international visitors. Of this total, air arrivals reached nearly 3.3 million arrivals, accounting for 88.7%. Specifically, the number of foreign tourists to some localities has increased compared to the same period last year, such as Da Nang increased by 73.5%, Quang Ninh by 43.1%, Can Tho by 42.4%, Ho Chi Minh City by 37.2%, Hai Phong by 14,4%, Ha Noi by 13,2%, etc.

The search volume for tourist accommodations in Vietnam is rapidly increasing, a sign that demand for Vietnam's tourism is recovering strongly, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism reported, citing Google Trends. Among countries with 10-25% increases in search volume, Vietnam ranks 11th globally. The highest search volumes for Vietnam's tourism came from the US, Japan, Australia, Singapore, India, Thailand, France, Germany, the UK, and South Korea.

In the first four months of this year, Asian visitors to Vietnam led the international tourist volume. Among them, South Korea was the largest international tourist market, estimated at over one million visitors. Second in the top markets of international tourists to Vietnam in the first four months was the United States and Third was China (mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong). According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the number of Korean tourists to Vietnam is expected to increase in the near future thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both nations for the period of 2023-2024.

According to many experts, the strong growth of the Chinese market was a positive signal and laid a foundation for a stronger recovery of the tourism sector in the rest of the year. Meanwhile, the tourist market from Australia and India has favorable conditions to increase the number of visitors to Vietnam thanks to the opening of direct flights of Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet connecting these destinations with Vietnam.

Chairman of VNAT Nguyen Trung Khanh stated that to accelerate the recovery of the international tourist market, it is necessary to facilitate entry-exit policies for foreigners and Vietnamese residing overseas; continue to develop infrastructure to boost tourism; focus on developing high-class tourism products such as yachts, MICE tourism, golf...; promote tourism through diverse marketing campaigns, social media, social networks; open more flights connecting Vietnam with international tourist destinations, etc.

Moreover, we need the determination to restart tourism and take advantage of opportunities to improve the position and competitiveness of Vietnam tourism, Chairman of VNAT Nguyen Trung Khanh affirmed

The return of international tourists to the Mekong Delta

Foreign tourist experience making folk cakes in Son Islet

Since the beginning of 2023, tourism in the western region of the Mekong Delta has recovered. Specifically, there has been a gradual return of international tourists to this region. Archibald from the UK said: “People told me that the Mekong Delta has many green trees and a unique ecosystem. I love nature, so I choose the Mekong Delta as the destination for this experience. This time, I traveled to Can Tho and An Giang. I am really impressed with the floating markets and Melaleuca forests there. Tourists tend to go on tours to discover indigenous culture, experience ecotourism, and be close to nature when coming to the Mekong Delta. Glyceria from the Netherlands said: “I heard from my friend that Mekong Delta is a wonderful place, so I want to experience it once. I have never been on a river like this; very strange and interesting. Plus, I really like the gardens here.”

International tourists usually choose river tours or cycling tours when coming to the Mekong Delta to learn about the local culture and people. French tourist Julita said: “We have a five-day journey in the Mekong Delta. We spend two days in Can Tho City to explore floating markets, craft villages, and orchards. I love cycling on the country roads. Sometimes we stop in the orchards and talk with the locals. It feels great because everything is so strange to me.”

Indigenous culture is considered one of the key factors attracting international tourists to the Mekong Delta. In Can Tho City, many tourist agencies have exploited this advantage to attract foreign visitors. Huynh Thi Bich Tuyen, owner of Mekong Silt Ecolodge, said: “International visitors love nature, gardenlike landscapes, and outdoor activities, they also love to learn about the local culture. Therefore, besides famous destinations like Cai Rang floating market, and orchards, we also build workshops to teach tourists traditional crafts of cooking, folk cake making, basket weaving, etc. Such experiences are welcomed by international visitors. Many tourists have come back and even introduced my place to their friends.” Jurate Valskiene from Ireland talked about the journey to Can Tho City and Son Islet: “The Mekong Delta is the destination in our journey to discover Vietnam because we want to learn about the lives of the people there. We have explored the floating market, and some attractions in Can Tho and found it interesting, so we continue to stay and experience more in Son Islet." Vilius Valskys said: “We planned this trip a year ago. We have had interesting and impressive experiences with the people here. They are very friendly.”

Foreign tourists usually prioritize destinations with natural elements and indigenous culture. It can be said that the Mekong Delta still retains its natural environment with diverse ecosystems. The river-garden culture and eco-friendly landscape are the vital factors that make it attractive to tourists. French tourist Laramie said: “In the Mekong Delta, we have had memorable experiences. I like the cuisine of this land, it's better than I thought. I learned how to make some folk cakes and I also like the people here, very friendly and gentle."

International tourists to the Mekong Delta have gradually increased. Most of them are from Europe, America, Australia, Russia, Japan, Korea, etc. However, visitors to the Mekong Delta are still in small groups. Some travel firms fear visa policy may leave Vietnam tourism lagging behind. International tourists always plan their trips from 6 months to 1 year in advance. When the tourism market in Vietnam stabilizes, it will be exciting again. Therefore, the international tourist market of Vietnam in general and the Mekong Delta in particular is expected to fully recover in 2024 provided that policies must change for the better. The return of international visitors to the Mekong Delta, especially European tourists, although traveling in small groups, also shows positive signs of recovery.