Major tourism rivals of Vietnam are attracting millions of foreign travelers thanks to their open visa policies. But Vietnam remains slow-paced in the race.

The Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2020, themed “Vietnamese tourism looks toward the future,” is slated for August 12-15 in Hanoi.

Tourism activities have resumed in the central city of Da Nang after a hiatus due to COVID-19. Operators of cruises along the Han River, a major symbol of the city’s tourism, are set to welcome swelling numbers of domestic visitors.

Many travel firms affected by Covid-19 are struggling to access loans with low interest rates from the Government’s credit package as banks have denied their applications out of concern over their ability to repay the debt

The Government Office has suggested adding freelance tour guides to the list of beneficiaries on the government's VND62 trillion (US$2.6 billion) package to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Mekong Delta and southern islands like Phu Quoc and Con Dao are dominating domestic tour bookings as COVID-19 cases rise elsewhere in Vietnam.

The tourism sector of the south central coastal province of Khanh Hoa has been seriously hit by the outbreak of a disease caused by new coronavirus (COVID-19). 

For centuries, the customs and practices of fishermen have denoted the traditional cultural characteristics of coastal regions. 

Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam has rebuked the Quang Ninh government for turning away an Italian cruise ship carrying more than 1,000 tourists because of fears of the coronavirus and told the local authorities to draw lessons from the experience.

Tay people in Binh Lieu district, Quang Ninh province live a plentiful and culturally-rich life. 

The new coronavirus is estimated to shave 0.81 percentage points off Vietnam's annual GDP growth.

A traditional village market has recently opened at Phong Nha Ke Bang national park. The colours and atmosphere of a traditional market, along with folk games, have drawn visitors’ attention.

The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival kicked off in Gia Vien district of the northern mountainous province of Ninh Binh on January 30, the sixth day of the Lunar New Year.

With favourable natural conditions, the Mekong delta region is home to diverse fruit species. When Tet (Lunar New Year) comes, exotic fruits are offered for sales to serve people’s demand.

With the theme 'Visit Vietnam Year 2019', Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa, the national tourism year staged more than 100 festivals and cultural activities to promote sea and island tourism.

The Nguyen Hue Flower Street 2020, themed “Ho Chi Minh City - Confidently Stepping Forward” is expected to open from January 22- 28.

Big cities in Vietnam hold huge potential for developing their night time economies. However, planning and policies are required to manage this new economic sector.

Business sectors that could capitalize on the 100 million population will be set for strong growth, said an expert.

Recapital Investments Pte., Ltd. officially sold its majority stake in Ninh Van Bay Travel Real Estate JSC and withdrew from the Board of Directors.