In an article titled “Vietnam emerging as Southeast Asia’s new tourist hot spot” published on July 5, the German media outlet Deutsche Welle (DW) noted that Vietnam has fast become one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, and its improved visa policy is expected to boost tourism.

DW noted Vietnam is emerging as a new tourist hot spot in Southeast Asia.

 (Photo: Booking.com)

According to the article, as tourism rebounds after COVID-19 pandemic, industry experts said Vietnam is becoming a favored destination for travelers to Asia, where tourists enjoy diverse landscapes, beaches, mountainous rice terraces and bustling cities.

According to a report by Google Destination Insights, Vietnam was the seventh most searched destination from March to June, and the only country in Southeast Asia in the top 20, quoted DW.

DW also forecasts Vietnam can welcome 10 million international visitors in 2023, surpassing the target of 8 million. 

Hoi An is a favorite destination of international tourists. (Photo: DUY HAU)

DW quoted Bobby Nguyen, chairman of Rustic Hospitality Group, a tour agency, that the boost in tourism is coming mainly from the Republic of Korea, Chinese, and Indian tourists.

His assessment was made based on the fact that in March 2023, China allowed travel groups to Vietnam, while the Indian market has increased since 2022. In addition, Bobby Nguyen highly appreciated Vietnam’s use of social media to boost Vietnam’s international popularity.

“Having many online communication channels such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or promotion channels on Google or other networking channels is also the fastest way to promote Vietnam’s image to the world,” he said.

Spending half of the article on the change in visa policy recently approved by the National Assembly of Vietnam, DW said Vietnam’s new visa policy will boost tourism and attract more international visitors to Vietnam.

Vietnam’s National Assembly has adopted the policy of increasing the electronic visa duration from 30 days to 90 days, with single or multiple entries and tripling visa waivers for temporary stay at the border gate under the visa exemption category from 15 days to 45 days. This policy will take effect from August 15, 2023.

DW quoted Gary Bowerman, a tourism analyst based in Kuala Lumpur, said the visa changes will boost the tourism sector. “It’s picking up, and over the next six months, you will see travelers to Vietnam increase. I think it’s going to be very strong, and you’ll see growth particularly now the Chinese market is back,” he told DW.