This is the first such office of Vietnam overseas, Khanh said during discussions on solutions to help the tourism industry make breakthroughs in 2024, hosted by Nguoi Lao Dong (Labourer) newspaper on March 12.

Last year saw Vietnam receive 12.6 million foreign arrivals, up 340%, and 108 million domestic travelers, up 5.8% year on year. This year, the country aims to welcome 17-18 million foreign arrivals, equivalent to the pre-pandemic level, and 110 million domestic holidaymakers.

The VNAT has just completed the tourism planning for 2025-2030 with a vision to 2045 that outlines development orientations for the industry. The planning has been submitted to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval.

The VNAT has stressed the need to change tourism promotion methods based on segments such as community tourism, medical tourism, rural tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions), golf tourism, and rail tourism.

Among the solutions, the VNAT is to set up tourism promotion offices abroad which is considered Vietnam’s weakness compared to other countries. It will first open an office in Vientiane, Laos, to connect travelers from the Thai and Cambodian markets.

VOV