Foreign arrivals reach record high in November

The above figure equaled to 94 percent of the visitor count in November 2019, the General Statistics Office (GSO) reported.

During January-November, as many as 15,836,661 foreign arrivals traveled to the Southeast Asian nation, up 41 percent against the same period last year. 

Eighty percent of them came from Asia, with South Korea taking the lead with 4.13 million, up 128.3 percent. China came second with 3.3 million visitors, up 222 percent.

In Europe, the United Kingdom was the top tourist source market with over 279,000 visitors, followed by France, Germany, and Russia.

The GSO attributed the impressive growth in inbound tourism to Viet Nam's favorable visa policies, increased tourism promotions, and international awards to the local tourism industry.

With such positive results, the country is on track to realize its goal of 18 million international visitors this year, the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism noted.

At present, Viet Nam unilaterally waives visas for citizens from 13 countries, namely Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus. They can stay for 45 days from the date of entry, regardless of passport types and entry purposes.

Viet Nam honored as 'World's Leading Heritage Destination' for sixth year in row

Viet Nam has accomplished the remarkable achievement of winning the 'World's Leading Heritage Destination' award from the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the sixth year in a row.

The announcement was made at the WTA Grand Final Gala ceremony on the island of Madeira, Portugal, last month.

Adding to its impressive streak, Viet Nam previously clinched the title in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

The 'World's Leading Heritage Destination' award reaffirms the immense potential and appeal of the country's unique heritage treasures, including its nine world natural and cultural heritage sites, 15 intangible cultural heritages and 10 documentary heritages recognized by UNESCO.

Alongside the award, Viet Nam was also mentioned in 11 categories at the gala ceremony held in November, where nearly 300 awards were handed out.

Among them, Hoiana Resort & Golf was recognized as the 'World's Leading Fully Integrated Resort', while Hoi An Memories Land won the award for the 'World's Leading Cultural and Entertainment Resort'.

The 5-star InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort received the award for the 'World's Leading Green Resort'.

Phu Quoc, which is dubbed as 'Pearl Island' was named in several categories with Sunset Town being recognized as the 'World's Leading Tourist Destination'; Kiss Bridge being awarded the 'World's Leading Tourist Bridge'.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa was recognized as the 'World's Leading Luxury Wedding Resort'.

Earlier, in September, Viet Nam has won an array of awards at the regional WTA 2024, including Asia's Leading Destination, Asia's Leading Heritage Destination and Asia's Leading Nature Destination.

Dubbed the 'Oscars of the travel industry', WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry./.