Foreign arrivals to Vietnam plummet 79 percent in 2020

Vietnam welcomed only 3.8 million foreign arrivals in 2020, down 78.7 percent from last year, as a result of the serious impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
Foreign arrivals to Vietnam plummet 79 percent in 2020 ảnh 1A view of Bai Dai Beach on Phu Quoc Island, a famous tourist destination in Kien Giang province (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam welcomed only 3.8 million foreignarrivals in 2020, down 78.7 percent from last year, as a result of the serious impactof the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry, according to the GeneralStatistics Office (GSO).

Over 96 percent came to the country in the first quarter, before socialdistancing measures were imposed.

As the country has yet to reopen to international tourists, most foreignarrivals since the second quarter have been experts and skilled personnelworking in projects in the country.

In December alone, the number of foreign arrivals was down 8.1 percentmonth-on-month and 99 percent year-on-year.

For the year as a whole, foreign visitors coming by air accounted for80.3 percent of the total, down 78.6 percent against 2019, by road down 81.9percent, and by sea down 45.2 percent.

Those from Asia made up 73.3 percent of the total, down 80.4 percent,the GSO said, noting that arrivals from all main markets nose-dived, includingChina, down 83.5 percent, the Republic of Korea 80.4 percent, Japan 78.4percent, Taiwan (China) 78.8 percent, Cambodia 46.6 percent, and Malaysia 80.7percent.

Meanwhile, visitors from Europe fell 69 percent and America 75.7 percentcompared to 2019, the GSO reported.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) said the country holdsmany advantages from bringing COVID-19 under control quickly. Domestic travelstimulus programmes have been widely promoted to realise the twin targets offighting the outbreak and recovering the economy.

Online tourism marketing and communications increased due to thepandemic, VNAT noted, adding that it will boost investment in e-marketing andcooperation with major tech firms around the world to apply the most modern technologiesin the tourism sector./.
VNA

See more

Italian-flagged cruise ship Costa Serena (Photo: VNA)

Costa Serena brings 2,700 passengers to Phu Quoc island

During their two-day visit, the passengers explored several popular tourist attractions on Phu Quoc Island, including Grand World and the Hon Thom Cable Car, while also indulging in a variety of delicious local dishes.

The majestic Bodhisattva Tay Bo Da Son statue amidst the clouds on Ba Den mountain (Source: Sun Group)

US travel guide suggests Mt. Ba Den in a journey to explore culture, history from HCM City

Ba Den Mountain is not only known as the roof of Southern Vietnam but also as a destination rich in historical and cultural significance in the eyes of international travellers. This landmark has been recognised by the world-renowned travel guide Lonely Planet as one of the top 15 must-have experiences when exploring Vietnam. It is also recommended for those looking to delve into history, culture, and fascinating legends in Tay Ninh.

A MICE group at Da Nang international airport (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang remains ideal destination for MICE events in Asia

With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, including top-tier accommodation facilities, seamless transport, and premium tourism services, Da Nang has become the ultimate destination for large-scale events, whether they are global, regional or national.

Traditional Vietnamese art performances attract visitors at the International Tourism Exchange (BIT) Milan 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese tourism promoted at Milan int'l travel fair

The first-ever participation of Vietnam Airlines and Vietnamese travel agencies in BIT Milan for the first time also aimed to connect with Italian partners in preparation for the launch of a direct air route in July.

The pristine landscape by the side of Ba Be Lake, part of the Ba Be National Park (Photo: VNA)

Bac Kan leverages eco-tourism potential of Ba Be National Park

Bestowed with year-round mild climate, pristine ecological landscape, and distinctive ethnic minority cultures, the Ba Be National Park holds huge potential for ecological tourism, wellness retreats, educational visits, cultural exploration, and adventure tourism.