The figures from the report showed strong growth in domestic tours. Local tourists in August were estimated at eight million, bringing the tally to some 79.8 million in the January-August period and exceeding the year’s target of 60 million, up 33.6% over the same period of 2019, the pre-Covid year.

According to VNAT’s statistics, revenue from tourism in the period hit VND356.6 trillion, mainly from domestic travelers.

The eight-month period saw over 1.44 million foreign visitors, down 87.3% over the same period in 2019, mainly South Koreans, at 369,800, and Americans, with 139,400. Tourists from European countries also grew, but slowly. 

Meanwhile, August alone recorded some 486,400 foreign visitors, a 38% increase over July.

Vietnam welcomed visitors from Northeast Asian countries, excluding South Korea, the most before Covid-19 hit; however, it is now the slowest recovering market due to the strict Covid-19 prevention and control measures.

Source: Saigon Times